14 January, 2009The International Metalworkers' Federation welcomes the Resolution of the UN Security Council calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza
STATEMENT ON GAZA
The military escalation in the urban areas of Gaza is fast transforming the attack that the Israeli army began on last December 27 in a tragedy of unprecedented dimension, that is hitting the Palestinian civilian population, after long months of suffering. There is no doubt that this cannot be the solution to the legitimate right of Israel to protect the Southern part of its territory.
We are informed that workers, particularly our members among them, are suffering as a consequence. The situation when military attacks destroy working places, living areas and sometimes even structures of humanitarian support can only produce anger and more violence in a vicious circle, to which the international community seems unable, or perhaps not really interested, to find a political solution. The population of Gaza is paying the price for this political weakness of the international community.
The International Metalworkers' Federation can only welcome the Resolution of the UN Security Council calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza as a first step towards building just and durable peace in the region based on the respect of the rights of two peoples and the borders of two states.
This however will remain empty words if the Palestinian population is not granted freedom of movement and the right to a normal life, with food, access to health care and education, and jobs. This would be the only effective answer to the missiles launched by Hamas against the South of Israel, not the military attack against the civilian population and the tragedy it has caused in Gaza, that cannot be justified.
The trade union movement internationally has not been able, despite reiterated efforts, to contribute to a just and peaceful solution in this region. We must renew our commitment to the search of a lasting peace based on justice and freedom for all.