By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea
The devastating situation in the Middle East has escalated beyond our worst fears. The violence of the last year has only fuelled more violence, and now the region is on the precipice of a catastrophic regional war.
From the beginning of this latest conflict, UNISON’s main call has been for a ceasefire, first in Gaza and now in Lebanon. Conflict destroys lives and livelihoods, and without peace, there is little hope for human and workers’ rights.
In recent days, the conflict with Hezbollah has expanded from the border well into Lebanon, with Israeli troops invading the south of the country, while towns and cities, including the capital, Beirut, have been bombarded. Over 1.2 million people have already been displaced and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of “a long war that will lead to destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza”.
While the United Nations has overwhelmingly supported resolutions condemning the violence and the world’s highest court has called for measures to protect civilians, world leaders have failed to take sufficient actions to end the crisis.
As the people of Palestine, Israel and the wider region enter the second year of this latest conflict, peace seems a very distant hope. In Gaza, over 41,500 Palestinians have been killed, with many more missing, presumed to be under the rubble. Almost the entire population of 2.1 million people has been displaced and 86% of Gaza has been placed under evacuation orders.
So called ‘safe zones’ are horrendously overcrowded and lack adequate water and sanitation, contributing to a surge in infectious diseases. Meanwhile, ceasefire talks have stalled, unlikely to resume until at least after the US election.
Restrictions on the freedom of movement of Palestinians in the West Bank have intensified, contributing to a significant increase rise in unemployment. About 600 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli Defence Force and settlers, and at least 4,500 have been displaced due to the destruction of property.
The atrocities of 7 October have had a deeply traumatic and catastrophic impact on the people of Israel. The murder of 1,200 civilians and abduction of 251 hostages was a grave violation of international law and has been described as the worst disaster in Israel’s history.
Calls for a ceasefire deal to release the 101 hostages who remain unaccounted for remain unheeded, despite continued major protests led by the families of hostages in Israel. Israel has also come under attack from Iran and groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Gaza and Iraq aligned to the Iranian regime.
In the last three months we have seen some welcome steps from the new UK government to uphold international law, provide access to humanitarian assistance and limit the supply of arms; but these measures do not go far enough. We need the government to take further action to demand a ceasefire, including suspending the arms trade and the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement until human rights and international law are respected.
When I visited Palestine this June to meet with trade unions and the Palestinian Authority (pictured above), their message was clear. They need an immediate ceasefire to end the bloodshed. But this must pave the way for a viable, contiguous Palestinian state alongside Israel to end the occupation and the violation of Palestinian rights which has fuelled the conflict in the Middle East for decades.
With the Israeli Knesset (parliament) overwhelmingly opposed to any form of Palestinian state we need the world’s governments, including our own, to recognise Palestine, end support for the settlements and ensure international law is fully respected.
UNISON members have lost family and friends or fear for their safety. Many have been affected by the devastating rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Even the cost of fuel and food has been affected.
UNISON was one of the first unions to call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, full access to humanitarian assistance and for an end to the blockade. And we must continue making these demands as the critical first steps towards peace in the region and a viable Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.
The article Opinion: International law must be respected in the Middle East first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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