"Stop the carnage now," demands ICFTU General Secretary on his return from Israel and Palestine. 15/4/2002
Brussels, 15 April (ICFTU OnLine): "My visit revealed the full tragedy of two peoples who want peace, but who are locked into a conflict which is causing untold human suffering, can have no useful outcome, and threatens still greater calamity if it is not stopped immediately. The international community must bring the totality of its influence to bear to stop the terror and violence now. Every hour that passes brings more loss of life and more misery. There can be no sense or justification for what is happening", said ICFTU General Secretary, Guy Ryder, speaking on his return from a mission which encompassed the cities of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Gaza.
During this mission, Guy Ryder met with the ICFTU's Israeli affiliate, the Histadrut, and leaders of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) in Gaza and Jerusalem. He also met with the Israeli Ministers of Defense and of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of the Palestinian authorities in Jerusalem. Due to military operations, Guy Ryder was unable to travel to Nablus to meet PGFTU General Secretary Shaher Sa'ed who has been confined to his house with his family for the last 14 days under the 24-hour curfew now in force.
Ryder reiterated the ICFTU's call for a meaningful ceasefire and renunciation of all acts of violence from both sides, in line with UN Security Council resolutions. This requires an immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian territories and resolute steps to stop the terror bombings against Israeli civilians.
The Israeli authorities informed the ICFTU General Secretary that the measures being taken under operation "Defensive Shield" were the minimum action required to ensure the security of Israelis. But reports from officia l international sources, including UNRWA and the Red Cross, concerning the situation in the areas of military activity, suggest not only a massive humanitarian emergency, but also actions which contravene international standards, even under conditions of conflict. "The ICFTU is gravely concerned by these as yet unconfirmed reports, which would indicate action against civilians that cannot be condoned. Nevertheless, it is vital that civilians not be targeted, that humanitarian and medical assistance, food and water be allowed through to those in need, and that universally accepted standards in time of conflict be strictly adhered to. Those directing military activity have a clear and pressing responsibility in this regard," explained Guy Ryder.
Ryder also expressed concern at the severe restrictions placed upon journalists working in the region. According to the IFJ, during the past 15 days, dozens of journalists have been targeted and attacked in the Israeli sweep across the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The "reckless war" on the media has been denounced by the IFJ.
The meetings held with Israeli and Palestinian trade unions showed that there is much common ground between working people on both sides. Histadrut and Palestinian trade union leaders expressed real commitment to peace, genuine concern for those suffering on the other side of the conflict, a desire for an end to terror and violence, and the reopening of negotiations aiming to assure the peaceful coexistence of two states within secure and recognized borders.
"There is still room for hope," commented Ryder, "working people everywhere know that peace and security are preconditions for the realization of their most basic requirements, for themselves, and their families. The ICFTU has been working to promote contact and cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian trade unionists for many years. We will persist in that work because it is the best way we can contribute to the development of understanding and to the construction of peace."