On the eve of the UN General Assembly, several global union federations are demanding that all governments recognise the State of Palestine.

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is also calling for urgent measures to protect civilians, including an international peacekeeping force in Gaza.

Representing over 200 million workers worldwide through the ITUC, nine global unions and the Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD (TUAC), the statement fully supports the growing commitment of governments to recognise Palestine. To date, 147 of the 193 member states of the United Nations have already done so.

ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle went further: “We support peaceful and diplomatic means to deliver a two-state solution, with a secure Israel and a sovereign Palestine living side by side in a just and lasting peace. That requires recognition of Palestine and, crucially, an end to the occupation. In that spirit, the proposal to establish an international peacekeeping force in Gaza is a step in the right direction. It is a concrete measure to protect civilians, stabilise the situation on the ground, and create space for a credible political process.

“This call is grounded in the trade union movement’s commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Recognition of Palestine should not be delayed or treated as a reward at the end of negotiations; it is an essential element of a just peace and a necessary step towards restoring parity of esteem and power at the negotiating table.

“Workers everywhere are entitled to live in freedom, dignity and security. The Palestinian people deserve no less. Recognition of Palestine, together with concrete steps to protect civilians and end the occupation, is how the international community can help turn statements of principle into peace with justice.” https://www.ituc-csi.org/