Gaza emergency update
Today UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis wrote to the Israeli ambassador and the Foreign Secretary concerning events in Gaza. In his letter he wrote:
"I write to express UNISON's condemnation of the on-going actions by the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza.
"UNISON has consistently opposed terrorist attacks on Israel and condemns rocket attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilian targets causing considerable suffering. However, we believe that both the bombing and action by ground forces in Gaza are completely disproportionate to the threat faced by Israel. Nor do we believe that military action, or the humanitarian disaster it has created, is the solution to promoting lasting peace in the Middle East.
"UNISON urges both sides to agree an immediate ceasefire and requests that Israel opens the crossings into Gaza to allow humanitarian relief through to ensure the death toll does not rise any higher due to lack of food and basic medical equipment"
The presidential team, in conjunction with the general secretary and the chair of the international committee has agreed a series of follow-up actions:
- to make a £10,000 donation to Medical Aid for Palestinians' Gaza appeal
- encourage Regions and Branches to also make donations to the Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) appeal (see www.map-uk.org for details)
- support the continuing protests throughout the country, in particular the planned demonstration in London on Saturday 10 January (please monitor the Palestine Solidarity Campaign website www.palestinecampaign.org/index2b.asp as details are still being finalised). Bring branch banners along with you and individuals should look for the national UNISON banner to march behind it.
The position will be kept under review - please continue to check www.unison.org.uk for further details.
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