European trade unions urge stronger EU action following meeting with Palestinian ambassador

The statement called on both "the EU and on all countries to take this vital step towards achieving a democratic and sovereign Palestine, recognised by the international community, living in just and lasting peace alongside a secure Israel." It also condemned recent Israeli military operations in Gaza as well as settlement expansion projects in the West Bank. The unions stated: "Any annexation or settlement extension actions violate international law."

Citing findings from international bodies, they noted: "We recall that the International Criminal Court has stated that starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is a war crime. We also recall the legal analysis of conduct of Israel in Gaza pursuant to...the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory...and Israel."

The unions urged immediate steps from EU institutions: "We reiterate the necessity for the EU to use all tools available to bring about an immediate and lasting ceasefire, to put an immediate end to ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity, and to ensure full, unimpeded, and sustained access for humanitarian aid to people in Gaza."

They further called upon EU member states to pursue a resolution based on international law: "As representatives of working people, we urge the Commission to take these immediate steps...We call on EU to use all measures available to push for a just and lasting resolution...based on a two-State solution...We condemn forced displacement...and we join calls for release of all hostages."

"The time for warnings and statements is long gone," they concluded. "The EU must take decisive and immediate action. The European Union’s legal and moral responsibility to act has never been more urgent."

Signatories include ETUC; UNI Europa; industriAll Europe; EPSU; ETUCE; ETF; EFBWW; EFFAT; EFJ.