This petition is an initiative of members of the NSW National Tertiary Education Union and NSW Nurses and Midwives Association.
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In accordance with the union movement’s values of peace, justice and solidarity with working people, we are horrified by the current war between Israel and Hamas and the unspeakable bloodshed and violence it has caused.
This tragedy is a direct result of Israel’s blockade and siege of Gaza, and of the apartheid and ethnic cleansing it maintains in the West Bank and within its own borders.
In the first instance, we call for an immediate suspension of all hostilities and an immediate end to the blockade of Gaza. Gaza must not be cut off from food, medicine, fuel and humanitarian supplies, its power supply must be resumed, and critical health, water and other infrastructure must be restored immediately.
We also call for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian land and an end to apartheid and ethnic cleansing. As unionists, we stand in solidarity with all people who support the cause of peace, equality and justice for Palestinians, Israelis, and everyone in the Middle East.
We support the demonstrations around Australia for Palestine, and call on governments and police authorities to facilitate them. The union movement will never accept political restrictions on the right to protest, which is fundamental to democracy.
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