On the third day the delegation drove to the security fence/wall and then went through the Hawara checkpoint on the way to Nablus.  In Nablus the delegation had meetings with leaders from the PGFTU (Palestinian TUC) and Palestinian Authority representatives.   In the evening the delegation had dinner with the British Ambassador HE Tom Phillips at his residence in Tel Aviv.

The third day’s post is written by Mike Dixon, an USDAW National Executive member:

When I set off for Israel and Palestine, I wanted to find out what each side thought and find the truth.

After two days talking to various ministers and trade union officials I was excited and positive at what I had heard.  Today (Wednesday 4 November) we had meetings with Palestinians in Nablus: some positive things came out, but overall I was disappointed with a top official when this person called her neighbours the “enemy” and the meeting got a bit tasty shall we say.  I wonder if she should be in that job as she came across as very bitter.

Delegates walking through West Bank town of Nablus

There was a discussion about the boycott and it is clear that Palestinians don’t want it – all they want is equal pay and a living.

Meeting with Palestinian trade unionists

Over the last few years there has been a lot of good work done on both sides.  For example, there has been checkpoint closures, which in turn has brought more trust on both sides.

This means people will believe peace will come quicker.  Since the fence has gone up, suicide bombings have stopped – I think the quicker they get round the negotiation table the better it will be for everyone.

The Hawara Checkpoint into Nablus has been closed

So back home we must spread the good word and work and hope that peace can come quickly.

I will say words do come cheap sometimes so we must take what we are told as true as we see.