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The report, based on documented facts on the ground and on documented Israeli practices in not only Gaza, but the West Bank too, shows an undermining of Palestinian rights to collective self-determination and efforts to find a peaceful two state solution, and have led to numerous human rights abuses over many decades. Both physical and mental control is being systemically exerted upon the ordinary men, women, and children on a daily basis living in both the Occupied West Bank and in Gaza. The report can be downloaded by clicking on the image to the right, or from the Unionsafety E-Library using search word 'Palestine'. Since the atrocities committed by Hamas on Israeli citizens on 7th October 2023, in which 1,200 Israeli men women and children were killed, the response from the Israeli Government has been to retaliate in a manner which many see as barbaric, inhumane, and indeed war crimes by the withholding of food, water and sanitation along with indiscriminate bombing of the Gazan infrastructure and the targetting of civilians, hospitals, health workers; and journalists. The life-changing injuries, and deaths suffered to date on both sides of this conflict will result in one of the largest numbers of civilians mentally traumatised and physically disabled the world has seen since the end of the First World War. On the 13th October 2023, the TUC issued this statement calling for a permanent ceasefire to be observed by ALL sides in the current actions of a 75 Year conflict in the Middle East: 'The Trades Union Congress is appalled by the escalating violence against civilians in Israel and Palestine. We unequivocally condemn the attacks by Hamas and their targeting of civilians in this recent escalation of violence. Nothing can justify such an attack. We extend our condolences to those in the UK and beyond who have lost family and friends to violence. And we stand with those who oppose efforts to fuel anti semitism and anti-Muslim racism in the UK as a result of these events. The killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas and the collective punishment of the people of Gaza by the Israeli government will do nothing to end the occupation or bring about peace. It is inconceivable that more than a million citizens will be able to safely evacuate northern Gaza within 24 hours, and this risks a humanitarian disaster. We call on the UK government and international community to show leadership in promoting efforts to uphold international law and secure peace. The only way to resolve the situation in Israel and Palestine is through dialogue. Finally, we reiterate our support for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace that is consistent with international law and is based on a two-state solution, security for both Israel and Palestine, and which promotes equality and respect for human and labour rights.' As a result of the slaughter taking place in Gaza with Israeli forces using arms that have been bought from many nations, the Palestinian Trade Unions have issued a plea for the world to stop arming the Government of Israel whilst they use military weapons against the innocent and unarmed men women and children of Gaza. But UK Trade Unions have not responded accordingly. However, on this year's United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, on 29th November 2023, the TUC issued this statement: 'On this United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the TUC sends our solidarity to our Palestinian sisters and brothers - especially to Palestinian civilians in Gaza who have been forced to leave their homes and are being indiscriminately targeted by Israel’s military operations. We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. It is unacceptable that thousands of Palestinian civilians, including children, have been killed in Gaza, and we send our condolences to all those who have lost loved ones. We recognise that many more are suffering due to the siege that cut off food, water, fuel and medical supplies. We support a lasting ceasefire, and call for respect for international humanitarian law including the protection of civilians, and for unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and healthcare. The TUC has unequivocally condemned the brutal attacks and murder of Israeli civilians by Hamas. We call for the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages unharmed. Neither the killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas nor the collective punishment of the people of Gaza by the Israeli government will do anything to end the occupation or bring about peace. The TUC continues to call for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory and the blockade of Gaza, and for respect for all Palestinian rights, including the right to return and the right to self-determination. We support genuine efforts towards a just, comprehensive and lasting peace that is consistent with international law, including ending settlement expansion, and is based on a two-state solution, which promotes equality, democracy and respect for human and labour rights. We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.' Israel continues arresting Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, bulldozing roads, and destroying individual houses of those they say are terrorists. All without trial. Detainees are reportedly blindfolded and handcuffed for most of the day, and the lights are left on at the facility throughout the night. The handcuffs permit limited movement but allow the detainees to eat. The ongoing arrests and detention without trial now account for over 4,000 Palestinian prisoners being held in conditions which break international laws. This includes being stripped of all clothes, left lying on floors, no bedding, strip searched almost daily, and physically and verbally abused. Torture is often metered out to those in captivity, and majority do not get enough food and water.
1,139 Israeli killed by Hamas of which some killed by the IDF, although they won't reveal the figures, 7th October 137 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza offensive 20,000 Palestinian civilians killed in bombings, sniper fire, and from sustained injuries. 52,586 Palestinian civilians injured ( from scratches and bruises to loss of limbs, eyes, hands, and brain injuries) 100s of the injured die through lack of medicine, surgery, and infections. 6,200 Palestinian women killed 303 Palestinians killed in the Israeli Occupied West Bank by Israeli police and IDF 136 UN aid workers killed Around 72 journalists killed by IDF snipers targetting them. Source: BBC News/ The Guardian / Twitter / al Jazeera / Channel4 News / UN See also: Communication Workers Union Calls For Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza World Health Organisation And UN Warn Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Impossible NUJ Calls For Protection Of Journalists Covering The Situation In Israel And Gaza
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As of today 20th December 2023:
More than 310 health workers killed including surgeons and medics targeted by snipers