TUC statement on the Gaza blockade

Middle East Peace Process

TUC statement on the Gaza blockade

2 February 2008

The TUC calls upon the Government of Israel to lift the blockade of Gaza which amounts to collective punishment and has significantly worsened the situation for the 1.5 million people - men, women and children - living there.

On top of the mass unemployment and poverty which has left Gaza's economy in ruins and the population dependent on aid, the recent blockade has caused further, life threatening power cuts, shortages of water, food and other essentials.

We call on the international community, and in particular the UK Government and the European Union, to set aside differences and press for an end to the blockade.

The TUC deplores the rocket attacks launched by terrorists in Gaza against Israeli citizens, causing economic dislocation and fear on top of casualties, but these do not justify the blockade. We reiterate our support for the trade unionists of Gaza who are being threatened, harassed and repressed by Hamas, but stand in solidarity with the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) in calling for the blockade to end.

In the long run, the only solution to the violence in the Middle East is a two-state solution based on justice for the Palestinians and security for the Israelis. This must include the withdrawal of Israeli forces and settlements from the West Bank, on top of the withdrawal from Gaza, the demolition of the wall and the removal of travel restrictions on Palestinians. The TUC remains committed to working with Histadrut in Israel and the PGFTU in Palestine, and to supporting their joint efforts for peace with progress.