UNISON condemns the bombing of the al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital in Gaza.
The targeting of a hospital, resulting in the tragic loss of lives – including those of health workers, patients and civilians taking shelter – constitutes a war crime under international law.
We send our condolences to all those who mourn the loss of loved ones.
UNISON reiterates its call for both Israel and Hamas to respect international law and for the international community to immediately put in place meaningful negotiations to end the conflict and to stop it escalating to other countries in the region.
We also call for the role of the UN and aid organisations to be respected and facilitated, so that humanitarian corridors can be opened up and aid can get in, and call for the immediate safe release of those who have been kidnapped.
UNISON supports the call for peaceful protests calling for an end to the conflict, stands in support of trade unionists in the Middle East, and condemns the worrying rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks in the UK.
UNISON reaffirms its belief that only a two-state solution – a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel – can bring about lasting peace.
See this statement on the UNISON UK website. (Also, UNISON’s 11 Oct statement on the UNISON UK website.)
NEW: See also this ITUC statement of 20 Oct calling for “an immediate ceasefire by all parties and the return of all hostages and people held in Gaza and Israel without legitimate legal basis to their homes.”
Here also is the TUC statement, issued on 18 Oct.
See also 13 Oct comments: STUC statement and TUC statement.
Here is the ITUC statement of 9 Oct.