20 October, 2025The brutal attack on the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) on 15 October by Israeli forces is a flagrant violation of international law and a direct assault on the independence of trade union organizations.
Israeli occupation forces raided and vandalized the PGFTU headquarters in Nablus, smashing offices, breaking doors, and destroying electronic equipment across key departments, including the general secretariat, legal affairs and services. The building was reportedly turned into a military interrogation centre.
The assault breaches ILO Convention 98, which guarantees the right to organize and engage in collective bargaining, rights that Israel, as a signatory, is obligated to uphold. It represents a deliberate attempt to paralyze union work and intimidate members, and a gross violation of international labour standards and human rights.
Says IndustriALL Global Union general secretary Atle Høie:
"IndustriALL Global Union stands in full solidarity with the PGFTU and all Palestinian workers in the face of a grave and unprecedented assault on trade union and human rights. We demand an immediate end to all attacks on Palestinian trade unions and workers, and full accountability for those responsible.
“The international community must intensify pressure on Israel to comply with international law and uphold human and trade union rights. In the face of brutal repression and occupation, we stand firmly with the PGFTU and the Palestinian workers it represents.”
Photo credit: PGFTU