Gaza flotilla demonstration

Gaza flotilla demonstration

Speech by Sally Hunt, TUC General Council

5 June 2010

TUC General Council international spokesperson Sally Hunt made the following remarks at the Gaza flotilla demonstration in London today.

The TUC, and its 58 affiliated trade unions, representing some 6.3 million workers, condemn the Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla.

We are shocked and dismayed by the loss of life and injuries caused by this attack. This violence only worsens the problems of the region.

We send our deepest condolences to the families of the dead and hope for a full recovery of the injured. For our friends on the Flotilla, we salute your courage.

British unions add their voice to the deafening global call for a full, open and independent enquiry into what happened, and for full accountability for those responsible.

The TUC has pressed consistently for a peaceful two-state solution to the conflict in the Middle East. Israel's actions make the chances for peace seem as remote as ever.

But we must seize this chance to end this terrible blockade of Gaza. It is a humanitarian disaster. It denies essential goods to 1.5 million trapped and impoverished Palestinians. And it denies them freedom of movement - freedom to see loved ones, to attend school, to go to work.

The blockade is also a strategic disaster for Israel: it only strengthens Hamas, and shortens Israel's list of allies.

British unions don't want more words from world leaders. Like all of you here today we want action. Action to end the blockade - immediately and unconditionally.