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UNI Global Union joined the International Trade Union Movement in condemning the killings of activists in a boat convoy headed for Gaza, and the wounding of many more as an outrage.

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UNI supported the call by the ITUC for a full, open and independent enquiry to establish the precise details of what took place when Israeli soldiers boarded vessels in the convoy, which was organised to bring supplies to Gaza. Those responsible for violations of international law must be brought to justice.



UNI Global Union expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and its hope that all those injured will fully recover.



“This appalling development underlines once again that violence and confrontation will not bring peace and justice to Palestinians and Israelis. The only acceptable way forward is through negotiation based on commitment on all sides to renounce violence. Given that the Israeli authorities have apparently said that the supplies in the convoy will in any case be taken into Gaza, the world can only wonder why this happened in the first place. In any case, meeting a humanitarian convoy with military force is unacceptable,” said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.



The ITUC and UNI Global Union also repeat their call for an end to the blockade of Gaza, to help bring an end to the ongoing humanitarian crisis there.



Philip J. Jennings, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, stated: “UNI Global Union has pressed consistently for a peaceful two-state solution to the Israel/Palestine conflict, which can only be undermined by this outrage.”



ETUC General Secretary John Monks said: “The response of the Israeli armed forces was out of all proportion with any threat that could have been posed by this initiative. The loss of life is deeply regrettable and a full and open enquiry must be carried out into these events. The blockade of Gaza must be lifted unconditionally to enable the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.”