Britain’s Trade Union Congress (TUC) today passed a motion in protest against Israel’s intention of annexing the occupied West Bank, calling it a move illegal under international law.
The TUC, which is an organization consisting of UK trade unions, said in its motion that it’s clear that there is no intent on Israel’s part to end the occupation, calling for the recognition of the rights of Palestinian people to self-determination.
“Congress stands united in its full opposition to the Israeli government’s declared intention to annex great swathes of the West Bank, a move that is illegal under international law and that makes clear there is no intent on the part of the Israeli government to end the occupation and recognize the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. It will be another significant step in the creation of a system of apartheid,” the TUC motion said.
The TUC argued that Israel’s crimes cannot be tolerated anymore.
“For too long the international community has stood idly by as the Israeli state has been allowed to carry out its crimes and this cannot be tolerated or accepted any longer. Decisive action is now urgently needed in relation to Israel’s illegal actions against the Palestinians.”
The motion urged to “fully support and play an active role in the Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s actions to build a broad coalition against the proposed Israeli annexation and to urge all affiliates to do likewise.”
It also resolved to “send a letter to the prime minister demanding that the UK take firm and decisive measures, including sanctions, to ensure that Israel stops or reverses the illegal annexation, ends the occupation of the West Bank and blockade of Gaza, and respects the right of Palestinian refugees to return.”
The TUC called for initiatives to “communicate its position to all other national trade union centers in the International and European Trade Union Confederations and urge them to join the international campaign to stop annexation and end apartheid.”