Palestine

This Conference recognises the suffering of the people of Gaza following the ongoing
blockade and the continued occupation of the Palestine territory against them by the
Israeli Government. We also condemn the recent and ongoing military assaults, which
started on the 14th November 2012, which follows many years of oppression.
On June 14th 2012, 50 international charities and United Nations Agencies called for
an immediate end to the blockade as well as recognising the violations of International
laws affecting over 1.6 million people, over half of whom are children.

We further recognise the statement made by Valerie Amos, UN Under- Secretary for
Humanitarian Affairs, who pointed out that more than 80% of families in Gaza are
dependent upon humanitarian aid. She stated “This amounts to collective punishment
of all those living in Gaza, and is a denial of basic human rights in contravention of
International law.”

We therefore: Condemn and call for an immediate and sustainable end to the air,
any ground attacks and killings of the people of Gaza. Call for a halt to the Israeli
blockade of Gaza. Condemn and call for an immediate end to the siege on Gaza.
Given the current escalations of attacks on the people and workers of Gaza this
Conference recognises, in particular the constant dangers and difficulties faced by
Palestinian Emergency Service Workers on a daily basis as they attempt to rescue
sick and dying casualties whilst under attack from the Israeli Occupation Forces.

In doing so, we call upon the Executive Council to formulate an ongoing support
strategy in conjunction with Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the Palestinian General
Federation of Trade Unions, to practically and financially support our sister trade
unions in these services. This support strategy is to be reported to the membership
immediately.

Support the motion on Palestine carried at Congress 2012, in particular a call for a
delegation to visit Palestine. We would urge that the FBU does all it can to participate
in this delegation as well as publishing a report on any trip to the wider membership.