ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle said: “This ceasefire provides a glimmer of hope after prolonged devastation and tens of thousands of deaths. We call on all parties to fully adhere to the agreement and prioritise the safety and well-being of affected communities.”
Key provisions of the ceasefire include:
- The phased release of hostages, beginning with women and children, with negotiations for the release of all remaining hostages.
- The phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, accompanied by security arrangements to ensure stability along Gaza’s borders.
- A process to allow civilians to return home to northern Gaza, with safeguards to prevent the transfer of weapons into these areas.
- An increase in humanitarian aid to address the dire crisis in Gaza.
Luc Triangle continued: “For all the hostages, and their families who have waited so long and suffered such unimaginable pain, this ceasefire must lead to their liberation as soon as possible. We commend the work of Histadrut in supporting the families of the hostages.
“We urge the international community to ensure aid is delivered to the people of Gaza promptly and without obstruction. Key to this is UNRWA – the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in the region. It is more important than ever that its work is well funded by all governments.
“We demand that the labour market is urgently re-opened for all Palestinian workers, and we repeat our call for compensation for those who lost income as their jobs were unilaterally terminated.
“This ceasefire offers a much-needed opportunity to address the immense suffering in Gaza and to pave the way for reconstruction and sustainable peace. The reconstruction must embed the principles of decent work, quality public services and the involvement of local social partners, as set out in ILO Recommendation 205. We pay tribute to the humanitarian relief work of the PGFTU and stand ready to support our affiliate as it increases this vital effort.
“All sides in this conflict must engage in constructive dialogue, uphold international law, and work towards a two-state solution in line with UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.
“The ITUC calls for inclusive efforts that respect the dignity and rights of all, and reaffirm our commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of human rights. This ceasefire must serve as a foundation for lasting peace and coexistence.”