The global trade union movement is deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza. Approximately 1.4 million Palestinians are confined, awaiting a potential Israeli invasion in Rafah, the last refuge in the south of Gaza. Meanwhile, the suspension of funding to UNRWA has reached a critical point, and famine has become a horrifying reality (refer to the UNOCHA Gaza situation update).
On Monday, the UN chief warned that an invasion of Rafah in far-southern Gaza would “put the final nail in the coffin” of aid operations, following Israel’s announcement that its army had prepared a plan to evacuate civilians from the densely populated city.
Amidst this humanitarian catastrophe, global and Australian unions have issued a strong call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
ACTU Executive statement
The Australian Union movement condemns the attacks on civilians, and is horrified at the deaths of over 27,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis, and the displacement of over 1.7 million people. All parties must give primacy to the protection of civilian lives.
ACTU Executive is deeply alarmed and opposes the targeting of the southern Gaza city of Rafah by Israel, where more than 1 million people – at least half of Gaza’s population – fled seeking shelter.
ACTU Executive reiterates the call from Global Unions for unified action following the ICJ ruling on the Gaza genocide case, and urges Israel to comply with the ICJ’s Order to take immediate steps to prevent acts of genocide, punish incitement to genocide, and facilitate the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
ACTU Executive joins the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in calling for all sides, and the international community, to act for peace. There must be an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire, and the creation of humanitarian corridors to allow humanitarian aid into Palestine unimpeded.
The ACTU Executive notes the Australian Government suspended funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and that UNRWA has dismissed 9 employees accused of involvement in the Hamas attack of 7th October 2023 and the matter is being independently reviewed.
ACTU Executive calls on the Australian Government to exercise all avenues of influence and diplomacy to stop the bombing and the ground assault by Israel into Gaza and work for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
ACTU Executive calls on the Australian Government to urgently reinstate the funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The cessation of funding to UNRWA – the main humanitarian actor in Gaza that provides critical support to Palestinians – by sixteen countries has serious ramifications for humanitarian operations in Gaza, further adding to the crisis by putting millions of Palestinian people’s lives and wellbeing in jeopardy.
Global Unions statement
The International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) binding provisional measures address the urgent need to protect and prevent further harm to the Gazan population. The ICJ and the convention exist to protect human rights and the safety of vulnerable people and rely on the support of the international community. Now is the time to amplify trust in the international legal order.
The Global Unions emphasise the gravity of the situation. Our members in Gaza are being killed while they go about their work including teachers, healthcare workers, transport workers, journalists, UN staff, international aid workers and many others.
We urge Israel to comply with the ICJ’s Order to take immediate steps to prevent acts of genocide, punish incitement to genocide, and facilitate the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
While expressing support for the UN’s internal investigation, the people of Gaza and our members depend on the lifesaving support UNWRA provides. The Global Unions urge countries who have suspended their funding of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to re-consider.