SAK calls for ceasefire in Gaza

The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) shares the concern of the ITUC and ETUC international trade union confederations and of many individual trade union members regarding the situation in Israel and Palestine,said SAK in a press release on Monday.

“We condemn the acts of violence targeted by all parties against civilians in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, and we call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza,” said SAK in the press release.

According to the SAK, all parties must be required to show full respect for international law. Suspected violations must be investigated and those responsible for them must be held accountable.

In addition to a ceasefire, the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza requires swift and substantial international aid.

Governments must provide strong support for the aid work of UN organisations in Gaza, where the war and the Israeli blockade are leading to famine and a shutdown in health care and other vital services.

Besides responding to the immediate imperative to save lives, efforts must be made to restore Palestinian work opportunities and livelihoods in the manner stressed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Alongside humanitarian efforts, the Finnish government and the European Union must stand together with the rest of the international community in immediately taking all possible steps to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

This must be based on implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions and peaceful coexistence of two independent and viable states.

The unresolved continuing cycle of violence and Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is not only a regional tragedy, but a factor that fosters instability and violence throughout the world, including Europe.

“We also give our support to the long-term cooperation work of the international trade union confederation (ITUC) in partnership with the Israeli and Palestinian trade union movements to reinforce their ongoing dialogue and enable sustainable peace,” the press release added.