Commenting on the government’s announcement that the UK will recognise the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said today (Wednesday):
“This essential step in support of a two state-solution comes at a time when the prospects of a viable Palestinian state are at grave risk.
“Recognition of the state of Palestine is a critical step towards bringing peace to the region, ending the illegal occupation and respecting basic human rights.
“The prime minister’s decision has been welcomed by the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian ambassador to the UK.
“The situation in Gaza has never been more critical, with UN warnings of famine and people dying of hunger. Healthcare and other public services in Gaza have been devastated. Almost all the territory is under displacement orders or within a militarised zone.
“The UK government must now take further steps to bring about a permanent ceasefire, full access to humanitarian assistance and the release of the remaining hostages.
“There must also be no further annexation of the West Bank, no more threats to take land from Gaza and the Israeli government must begin to respect international law.
“Until human rights in Gaza are respected, ministers should also suspend the sale of arms to Israel, along with the UK Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement.
“Banning trade with the illegal settlements and extending sanctions to the Israeli cabinet, and any others contributing to repeated violations of international law, is crucial too.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 175158 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
The article Recognising the state of Palestine is the right thing to do first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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