Labour Unions, the unions affiliated to the Labour Party, wholly condemn the rapidly escalating catastrophe in Gaza.
Our members are deeply alarmed by Israel’s continued, horrific assault and bombardment of the territory and the forced displacement of Palestinians.
The near-complete blockade on humanitarian aid into Gaza has led to mass starvation, intensified by the killing of over 1,000 Palestinians who were simply seeking food and medicine.
The statement from the Prime Minister last week last week and the reported recall of the Cabinet to discuss the situation in Gaza is welcome. But clear and immediate action is desperately needed to end this senseless violence and deliberate starvation.
The UK government must immediately recognise the state of Palestine and support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, as a critical step in support of a two-state solution.
We call on ministers to do everything in their power to bring about an end to the crisis and resolve all humanitarian issues, release the remaining hostages, and restore the path to peace.
Whilst the overdue announcement of humanitarian corridors and pauses in fighting will allow a limited amount of aid into Gaza, we call on the government to advocate in the strongest terms for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and proper and safe access to humanitarian aid, using all levers of power within the UN to force Israel to allow its agencies to let in aid.
We also urge the government to suspend the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement, and end all military cooperation with Israel immediately, along with licenses for arms traded with Israel, in line with international law.
We call for wide ranging sanctions on the Israeli government, similar to those imposed on Russia, including the freezing of bank assets, and sanctions on Israeli officials, including Benjamin Netanyahu, who continue to violate international law and for a permanent ban on trade with the illegal settlements.
Time is rapidly running out. We need the government to show global leadership now and take decisive action to end this catastrophe before it’s too late.