TUC statement on Middle East
The following statement was agreed at a meeting of the TUC's General Council, Wednesday July 26 2006:
The TUC General Council today joins with the international trade union Movement in expressing its horror at the loss of life and the human suffering caused by the current conflict in the Middle East.
They expressed support for the UN Secretary General and for his calls for restraint by all parties and an investigation into the deaths of UN officials in Lebanon, as well as for his strong criticism over both the capture of Israeli soldiers by Hamas and Hezbollah and Israel's disproportionate use of violence, which has further escalated the crisis. Once again innocent civilians - adults and children - are bearing the brunt of armed conflict and the failure of politicians to find pragmatic, effective and peaceful solutions.
Alongside concerted international action to end the violence, urgent attention must be given to the serious and deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories. Immediate action needs to be taken to ensure that there is free access for UN staff and for humanitarian aid to reach the Gaza Strip, along with steps by the international community to help break the stalemate in relations between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities.
We endorse the attached statement issued by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, and in particular urge those involved and with influence to:
-support the leadership role of the United Nations;
-secure an immediate ceasefire;
-ensure the release of all those seized during this period;
-call for an end to attacks on journalists; and
-return to the Road Map as the only way to ensure a just and lasting peace in the region.
-We urge the EU, the British government and our affiliates to do all that they can to bring this about.
We reiterate our support for a two state solution for Israel and Palestine, and our willingness to assist both the Histadrut and the PGFTU to play a full role in the peace process.