Brussels, 7 August 2014 (ITUC OnLine): The ITUC is horrified by the appalling death
toll of civilians in Gaza.
Schools, hospitals and the only power station have been
bombed, drawing heavy condemnation from the United Nations, several of whose
personnel have also lost their lives. The targeting of civilians is against
international law and the UN has called for accountability and justice.
"The only solution is a permanent cease-fire with
the intervention of the international community to force the parties to the
table to conclude a negotiated settlement that ends the blockade of Gaza and
the occupation of Palestine. The people of Israel and the people of Palestine
will only be assured of a peaceful and secure future with a two-state solution,
where all people can live in peace and security and build a future for
themselves and their children," said Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of
the ITUC.
The ITUC is calling on governments to intervene and
support a five-point plan for peace:
i. A permanent cease-fire;
ii. Humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza;
iii. The immediate suspension of all transfers of
weapons, munitions and other military equipment and technology being used
against civilians;
iv. An end of the blockade of Gaza;
v. A negotiated settlement to bring about a two-state
solution with the legitimacy of international law.
The ITUC is calling on affiliates and trade union members
to make a commitment to peace and send a postcard to the UN Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon to show that he has our support to deliver peace.
To take part in the ITUC postcard campaign, go to the
website www.bypost.com/peacelikemine
and use a PC or mobile device to send a real postcard which will be delivered
to the UN Secretary-General in New York with your personal message and
photo.
The photo can show your personal experience of peace, and
you can send a message about what you want for the people of Palestine and
Israel and call on the UN Secretary-General to protect the people of Gaza and
deliver a permanent peace. This website www.bypost.com/peacelikemine
will go live Thursday August 7th.
Affiliates can also make urgent financial contributions
to the International Transport Workers' Federation's (ITF) humanitarian relief
initiative for Gaza, at www.itfgazafund.org
The ITUC represents 176 million workers in 161 countries
and territories and has 324 national affiliates.
