ITUC Call to Action on Gaza

ITUC Call to Action on Gaza

July 31, 2014

Brussels: (ITUC OnLine): The ITUC is horrified at the rising death toll in Gaza, which is now over 1,200 - the vast majority of them innocent civilians. Destruction of civilian and UN infrastructure in recent days, including schools, hospitals and the territory's only power plant, will have grave ramifications for the Palestinian population now and long after this latest military operation ceases. The excessive attacks are unjustifiable, totally disproportionate, and have brought condemnation from even Israel's closest allies.

Workers and their families are joining the gathering voices around the world which are calling for an immediate negotiated cease-fire and an end to the blockade imprisoning 1.9 million people. We also call on the international community to provide urgently needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, including food, water, medical aid and generators. However, the only way for there to be a lasting peace and mutual understanding between the people of Israel and Palestine is for the occupation and blockade of the Palestinian territories to end.

The ITUC therefore calls on all governments to help broker an immediate, negotiated cease-fire. Attacks on civilians are against international law and we support the UN call for accountability and justice. Therefore, we call for an immediate ban of all transfers of weapons, directly or indirectly.

But it cannot end there. The international community, not just the US and Egypt, must take immediate action to force the parties to the table and conclude a negotiated settlement that ends the occupation and that instils in both sides confidence in security and mutual respect.

The ITUC is also calling on its affiliates worldwide to make urgent contributions to the humanitarian relief initiative launched by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) for Gaza. http://www.itfglobal.org/

The ITUC represents 176 million workers in 161 countries and territories and has 325 national affiliates.

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ENDS

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