The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has backed statements by the Government and Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins, who have condemned the approval by the Knesset of legislation to prevent UNRWA from operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which coordinates nearly all aid to Gaza, has seen more than 220 of its staff killed in the war there. Congress General Secretary, Owen Reidy also condemned the ongoing slaughter of children and families by the Israel Defence Forces.
Mr.Reidy said there needs to be an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and a halt to indiscriminate targeting by the IDF of healthcare workers, hospital facilities, and those trying to provide life-saving care in a war zone.
He expressed his support for INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha who said: “Nurses, midwives, and all healthcare workers must be able to work free from threats of violence. Anyone who targets nurses, midwives, and healthcare workers and their workplaces should face justice.”
The General Secretary reiterated his call for an immediate enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill and the strictest adherence to the BDS principles. He also urged the Irish government to intervene with the relevant governments of Egypt and Israel to fast-track the evacuation of children in need of medical assistance to Ireland as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
