The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) is deeply concerned by the outbreak of deadly violence in Israel and Palestine, which has led to the loss of innocent life on both sides of the border. We mourn the civilian casualties and join calls for an immediate end to the rocket attacks and airstrikes that indiscriminately kill, injure and destroy. Further violence will only serve to harm innocent citizens of both Palestine and Israel.
This severe escalation in the conflict has been provoked by the eviction of families from East Jerusalem and the demolition of their homes, which are intensely damaging to the prospects for peace. Demonstrations against this have been met by unacceptable violence and aggression from Israeli security forces, which has in turn led to rocket attacks against Israel and airstrikes on Gaza. The evictions of Palestinian families and the demolition of their homes should cease, in East Jerusalem and across the Palestinian Territories. These provocative acts in recent days and weeks are a continuation of a policy of hostility, and the systematic and intentional denial of the basic rights of the Palestinian people. This includes violent police action against Palestinians exercising their right to worship at the Al-Aqsa mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.
Illegal and oppressive acts will not change or reduce the demands for an end to 54 years of occupation, discrimination and the system of segregation, and the right to full equality and self-determination for Palestinians, which are a prerequisite for peace. We fully support a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the legitimate aims of the Palestinian people for an independent state based on the 1967 borders. We hold the legitimate demands of the Palestinian people will not be diminished by moves taken by Israel and we will continue to act in support of the rights of both peoples to live in peace.
The FITUG, at this time, fully endorses the expressions of the Government of Guyana.
