6 January 2009

Dear David,

Cease-fire and humanitarian assistance for Gaza

I am writing to urge the UK government to use all possible channels to bring about an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and to provide urgent humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza.

As you are aware, at least 500 people have been killed and around 2,500 injured in Gaza. As the conflict continues, the chances for a just and lasting peace fade, as do the prospects for regional stability. Sadly it is innocent working women and men who are paying the human price for this violence.

We call on the UK government to use all avenues to pressure the parties to abandon violence, especially through the UN Security Council and the upcoming informal summit of EU Foreign Ministers this Thursday. Now is not the time to debate the upgrading of EU-Israel relations, but to build two sovereign states respecting each other's right to exist: free of occupation, rocket attacks, settlements and illegal walls. Lifting the 18 month blockade of Gaza that hurts innocent working people would be a good start.

Finally I thought you might like to know that UK trade unionists are showing practical solidarity with the working people of Gaza. The TUC has launched an appeal to provide them with humanitarian assistance delivered through the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU), the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the Red Crescent.

Yours sincerely

Brendan Barber

General Secretary