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CUPE along with the International Trade Union Confederation expresses its shock and extreme concern over the loss of life in Gaza and Israel. Israel’s air and sea bombardment of over 1,300 sites in Gaza has so far left more than 120 people in Gaza dead and, injuring over 900. The Israeli government has threatened to invade Gaza unless Hamas stops firing rockets into Israel, where three people are dead and dozens have been injured.

CUPE National President Paul Moist called for “Israel and Hamas to end the violence and work for a ceasefire. Once a truce has been called, a longer-term solution is critical for lasting peace. CUPE supports the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution in order to establish a lasting and meaningful peace in the region. And, in the interest of humanity and a real beginning to a peace process, CUPE is calling on Israel to end the Gaza blockage.”

As affiliate members of the International Trade Union Confederation and Public Services International, CUPE supports their statements issued today.

The world has been shocked by the attacks on Gaza. For too long, major powers have sat by and tolerated the Israeli government’s policy of refusing to negotiate a just and lasting two-state settlement and the Hamas refusal to even recognize Israel’s right to exist. The status quo of political paralysis, continuing denial of fundamental justice to Palestinians, armed provocation and reaction, and the constant threat to peace for all people in the region will only be transformed if the international community is prepared to act decisively in the interests of peace and justice,” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

Violence is erecting new barriers to political solutions in the region. A truce can end the slaughter of innocent civilians. Progress needs to be made in the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of a stable, two-state solution. Mutual respect and recognition is essential if there is to be any hope of lasting peace based on social justice, the full respect of human rights, and democracy,” according to Public Services International General Secretary Peter Waldorff.

We express solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Palestine and Israel as they struggle toward peace based on social justice, the full respect of human rights, and democracy.