GMB urges UK action for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza

On Thursday 28th November, GMB will join the TUC and other unions in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian political prisoners and an end to Israel's unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory.

GMB is supporting the TUC day of action on Thursday 28th November, with more information on how to take part on the TUC website here.

The day of action, called for by Palestinian trade unions, is urging the UK Government to:

• Apply international pressure to help ensure access to essentials such as food and medicines in Gaza
• End all licences for arms traded with Israel – meeting international law
• Immediately recognise the State of Palestine

GMB's own Congress in June 2024 made these calls unequivocally and in a letter to the Foreign Secretary David Lammy, GMB urged the UK government to end all arms exports, ban trade in goods from Israel's unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory and immediately recognise the State of Palestine as part of a peaceful, two-state solution to decades of conflict.

Barbara Plant, GMB National President, said: 

"Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed under Israeli military action in Gaza, with 70 per cent of verified deaths being women and children. Two million Palestinians have been forcibly displaced, many on brink of famine with their livelihoods destroyed as have their schools, hospitals and trade union offices. 

"Enabled by its weaponry, the actions of Israeli forces have presented enough evidence of war crimes for the International Criminal Court to seek Prime Minister Netanyahu’s arrest. These actions are not self-defence, and they are denying Palestinians the rights and dignity they are entitled to. Brave Israeli citizens have also been arrested and attacked for peacefully protesting the Netanyahu government to stop these actions and agree a ceasefire with warring parties to bring Israeli hostages home.

"UK policy is to contribute to the international supply chain of weapons for defensive purposes only, and not if they risk use in violations of international law. The United Nations have given clear warnings of this risk, yet the UK government has only so far stopped 30 of the 350 total arms export licenses that the UK holds with Israel.

GMB has long called for a peaceful, two-state solution to decades of conflict that upholds the rights and security of Palestinians and Israelis. This will only be possible with the security that international law brings, but international law will only be upheld if it is applied consistently by those who can."