9 October 2023, International Trade Union Confederation

The ITUC is gravely concerned at the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas, following the attacks launched against Israel from Gaza, which have drawn strong condemnation from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

The ITUC utterly condemns attacks on civilians, with hundreds believed to have been killed already, many more injured and others kidnapped.

This latest outbreak of violence risks spiralling into all-out war, with devastating consequences for Israelis and Palestinians and for the region as well. Extremist rhetoric will only worsen the conflict, costing yet more lives and leaving a peaceful and just solution further out of reach.

The ITUC calls for all sides, and the international community, to act for peace. This decades-long conflict can only be brought to a just outcome through dialogue, respect for international law, in particular human rights law, and the full implementation of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions to bring about a two-state solution.

Source: ITUC Statement 9 October 2023

20 October 2023
International Trade Union Confederation statement on Middle East

The ITUC calls for an immediate ceasefire by all parties and the return of all hostages and people held in Gaza and Israel without legitimate legal basis to their homes.

We support the UN Secretary General’s position for a major humanitarian effort for the people of Gaza and others displaced since October 7. The Palestinian people, who have been living in very difficult conditions for years, should not have to pay for the current escalation. Just as the Israeli people should not live in fear of attacks coming from Gaza or elsewhere.

We reiterate our call on all governments to strive for peace and towards the realisation of a two-state solution with an end to the occupation and two sovereign, democratic, countries living in conditions of lasting peace, based on United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.

The ITUC also refers to its statement of 9 October: https://www.ituc-csi.org/israel-palestine

The human rights of every person must be respected. The rule of law must prevail over the rule of war.

Source: ITUC Statement 20 October 2023