23 July 2014

hacsu_logoHACSU joins ITUC to call for peace in Gaza

For over 100 years HACSU has been committed to social justice for workers around the world. We are deeply saddened and concerned about the recent news of war in Gaza and stand in solidarity for peace in Gaza.

We fully endorse the International Trade Union Council (ITUC) call for a speedy implementation of the UN ceasefire and provision of humanitarian aid.

Our union is particularly concerned at reports of paramedics, nurses and other health workers, once again, being directly targeted while trying to provide care for the more than 1500 people injured so far with very limited supplies. The targeting of hospitals and facilities for the disabled cannot be justified.

The blockade on Gaza intensifies problems for medical staff, preventing or slowing the entry of vitally needed supplies.

We call for an immediate end to the blockade which denies the Palestinian people basic human needs and is a serious impediment to peace.

According to the UN 75% of the victims in Gaza have been civilians, many of whom are children. The deaths of innocent people will not bring a just resolution to conflict for the people of Israel and Palestine. It is heartbreaking to see the worse of humanity on display. We must never forget that peace is the way to move forward.

We add to the chorus of international voices calling for peace and social justice.

We also encourage donations to the Union Aid Abroad’s (APHEDA) humanitarian efforts to raise funds for emergency medical supplies and food packages for families displaced by the bombings, please go to the Union Aid Abroad website or call 1800 888 674.

Source: Health and Community Services Union, Victora No.2 Branch, Australia

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Background to this statement:  On 7 July 2014, following a severe escalation in hostilities involving intense Israeli aerial and navy bombardment and Palestinian rocket firing, the Israeli Government launched a full-scale military offensive against the Gaza Strip, titled Operation ‘Protective Edge’.