UWU members note with deep regret:
- the historical context of events in Palestine and Israel
- the tragic loss of civilian life in both the Hamas attacks on the 7 October 2023 and the ensuing bombardment of Gaza by Israel, which is now the subject of predetermination by the ICJ on the potential acts of genocide
- the decision of some states to withdraw funding from UN
- failure of the UK parliament to take action to prevent further loss of life
UWU members believe that:
- there can be no justification for the loss of innocent lives, and all atrocities committed against civilians must be condemned and investigated. Specifically that:
- Hamas’ murder of civilians in Israel must be unequivocally condemned,
- the Israeli Government’s indiscriminate killing of Palestinian civilians must be unequivocally condemned, in particular the unacceptable deaths of 8,000 children in Gaza and the West Bank
- all forms of racism, including anti-Palestinian racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in our movement and we condemn any attacks on Palestinian, Jewish or Muslim people;
- all political leaders must call upon the Israeli Government to ensure enough food, water, medicine and electricity are provided to Gaza,
- all actors must follow and be held accountable under international law
- we must not allow these tragic events to divide our communities
UWU members therefore call for the immediate release of all remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners and a permanent ceasefire.