Unite calls for an immediate ceasefire
Following on from the statements driven and endorsed by Unite, including at the TUC General Council on 18 October, and due to the ongoing escalation of violence, Unite calls for an immediate unconditional ceasefire by all parties in Israel and Gaza.
The unbearable terror, suffering and death of innocent civilians – everyday people, aid workers and thousands of children – must end.
We further call on all parties to respect international law, ensuring that all civilians are protected, all hostages are released unharmed and that food, water, electricity, medical, sanitary and fuel supplies are restored.
International law makes it clear that the deliberate killing of civilians, hostage-taking and collective punishment are war crimes. The crimes committed by Hamas and by the Israeli government must be denounced and international law must be upheld.
While the conflict is ongoing it is essential that humanitarian corridors are opened and remain open to facilitate access to humanitarian aid.
Unite calls on the whole international community to work toward a comprehensive and lasting peace based around a two-state solution ensuring human rights for all and ending oppression, violence and ethnic cleansing as well as the military occupation of Palestinian territory and the blockade of Gaza.
In Britain and Ireland Unite will work to combat the anti-muslim racism, antisemitism and racism against Palestinians and Arabs that is increasing in our workplaces and communities on the back of this conflict. We will also ensure that our members are not targeted or blamed for what is happening in this conflict.
Unite will also work with our sister unions, the TUC, STUC, WTUC, ICTU and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) to support and promote peace and to alleviate the suffering of the victims of this conflict.