Emergency Resolution on Gaza

There has been catastrophic disregard for the principles of international humanitarian law and 90% of the population of Gaza has been internally displaced, some several times. Most workplaces in Gaza have been devastated and thousands of workers have been killed at their workplace, including more than 1000 healthcare workers.

Since 2 March 2025, Israeli authorities have imposed a full blockade on Gaza, bringing to a near-standstill the humanitarian efforts to protect and assist civilians through the provision of commodities. Since 18 March 2025, Israeli forces have escalated bombardments from the air, land and sea across the Gaza Strip and expanded ground operations. This has resulted in hundreds of casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

The whole population of Gaza is affected by multidimensional poverty and collective punishment. The ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the use of starvation as a weapon are war crimes and are currently being addressed as potential genocide by the International Court of Justice. This must be stopped immediately and it is the obligation of the EU and its member states to take actions to stop this. There is an urgent need for access to humanitarian aid and the lifting of the blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Parts of the right-wing Israeli Government openly seek the expulsion of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip as well as a permanent occupation and settlement.

At its meeting on 13 and 14 December 2023, industriAll Europe’s Executive Committee had already taken a clear position on the conflict, which is still valid.

The immeasurable suffering of the people in the Gaza Strip moves many people around the world. But justified criticism must not turn into anti-Semitism. The safety of Jews must not be linked to Israeli warfare. Anti-Semitic slogans and attacks must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The security of Jewish life must be guaranteed in every country.

Conversely, not every form of solidarity with the people of Palestine should be placed under general suspicion. Criticism of the Israeli Government’s actions is not the same as anti-Semitism – just as solidarity with Palestinians does not mean support for Hamas.

The Palestinians have a right to live in peace, dignity and in an independent state.

Congress demands the end of all violation of human rights by all parties and an immediate cease-fire.

Palestine has been occupied since 1967. Therefore, Congress re-iterates its call for a just solution in accordance with UN resolutions, the recognition of a Palestinian state and an end to the illegal military occupation.

Congress urges the European Union to suspend arms deliveries and its Association Agreement with Israel, in accordance with Article 2 on the respect for human rights.

Congress supports all ongoing investigations of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Congress calls for compliance with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) opinion on the occupation of Palestinian territory, in relation to trade with Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.

Congress unreservedly condemns all forms of violence targeting any segment of the civilian population and calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Every life matters, and all war crimes, wherever they have been committed, are unacceptable.

Congress wholeheartedly condemns Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks of October 7th. The cruelty of the attack and hostage-taking by the terrorist organisation Hamas is indescribable and in no way justifiable.

Congress condemns every violation of international humanitarian law and the bombing of civilian populations in this conflict. The reaction of the Israeli Government has provoked a humanitarian crisis of devastating impact for the population living in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank. This conflict is a humanitarian crisis. With every passing day, the humanitarian catastrophe worsens.

Congress calls for humanitarian corridors through the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank to facilitate the supply of essential goods and services.

It is time for diplomacy. Congress calls on the European Union and European governments to intensify their work to stop the war, ensure the release of all hostages and facilitate a path towards a just peace and Two-State Solution.

As trade unionists, we condemn the escalation of antisemitism and Islamophobia around the world and strongly oppose war, violence and all forms of racism. We want peace and justice for all.