Gaza: ICFTU Calls for End to Violence

Gaza: ICFTU Calls for End to Violence

Brussels, 4 October 2004, (ICFTU Online): The ICFTU today called for the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority to bring and end to the recent spiral of violence in Gaza which has so far cost the lives of some 70 Palestinians and 5 Israelis, many of them children. Israeli military strikes have continued for the past five days in response to rocket attacks launched from within Gaza.

With power and water supplies to thousands of Palestinians cut off, and little sign of compromise from the authorities on either side, the ICFTU is deeply concerned at the ongoing death and injury toll, and at the receding prospects for an end to the conflict in line with UN Resolutions and the internationally-agreed "Road Map" towards a negotiated settlement.

"Once again, the conflict appears to be spiraling into a completely uncontrollable situation, with both sides seeming to prefer conflict to peaceful negotiations. We urge them to step back from the brink, and come to the negotiating table", said ICFTU General Secretary Guy Ryder.

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has expressed his "grave concern" at developments in Gaza, calling on Israel to stop its incursions into Gaza, and on Palestinians to cease attacks on Israel.

The ICFTU represents 148 million workers in 234 affiliated organisations in 152 countries and territories. ICFTU is also a member of Global Unions: http://www.global-unions.org

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