Responding to the recent order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Global Unions have united to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as the number of casualties among healthcare workers, UN personnel and unarmed civilians, including women and children continues to rise.

PSI affiliates in Gaza have described hospitals transformed into zones of war, with relentless bombardment leaving them unable to provide urgently needed services. Over 300 health professionals and 100 UN workers have been killed; the largest toll of humanitarian workers killed in the organisation's 78-year history. And the destruction of public services and all infrastructure necessary for providing these including shelter, water and energy will have long lasting adverse impact on lives and the social fabric in Gaza.

As the Global Union Federation representing workers across the health and aid sectors, PSI has been working to amplify the voice of health staff. At the Special Session of the WHO Executive Board which discussed the situation in Gaza, PSI facilitated the intervention of Ilyas Al-Jelda, Vice-President of General Trade Union of Health Workers in Gaza, who described how“I was forcibly displaced as my home was bombed by the occupation forces and found refuge with my family in the church, which was also not spared from the bombing.” 

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, said "In the face of constant insecurity and inflows of wounded patients, we see doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers and more continue striving to save lives. The decimation of the Gaza health system is a tragedy. A ceasefire is long overdue."

As dangerous misinformation about the conflict and the ICJ ruling circulate across the world, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has prepared a one page memo, to help provide background for unions and workers.

PSI General Secretary, Daniel Bertossa, said: 

“PSI will continue to amplify the voice of our comrades in the health and aid sector in Palestine who are risking their lives daily to provide the only care available in apocalyptic circumstances. We support this strong global union demand for a permanent ceasefire and call on both sides to ensure that civilians and health workers are never put in the firing line."

In addition to Resolutions 32 and 48 of the 31st World Congress, the PSI Executive Board resolved at its last meeting on 27 November to:

• Condemn war crimes committed by both sides and call on the international community and the United Nations to do everything to protect the security of public service workers.

• Hold an online affiliates’ meeting to hear from PSI affiliates in Gaza about the conditions of healthcare workers, and hear the calls from our affiliates in the Arab countries sub-region for help and solidarity with securing medicines, medical supplies, relief materials and volunteers for Gaza.

• Coordinate with the ILO and WHO, and all other relevant international organisations and countries to provide relief.

• Call for the respect of the United Nations Resolution for the adoption of a two-state solution, leading to a sustainable peace, and for democratic, independent, and secure Palestinian and Israeli states, that provide quality public services to their citizens.

Full text of the statement

Global Unions Call for Unified Action Following ICJ Ruling on Gaza Genocide Case

The Global Unions signatory below note the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Order issued in the case filed by South Africa against Israel regarding the application of the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip, which demonstrates the vital importance of the international rule of law and effective enforcement.

The ICJ's binding provisional measures address the urgent need to protect and prevent further harm to the Gazan population. The ICJ and the convention exist to protect human rights and the safety of vulnerable people and rely on the support of the international community. Now is the time to amplify trust in the international legal order.

The Global Unions emphasise the gravity of the situation. Our members in Gaza are being killed while they go about their work including teachers, healthcare workers, transport workers, journalists, UN staff, international aid workers and many others.

We urge Israel to comply with the ICJ's Order to take immediate steps to prevent acts of genocide, punish incitement to genocide, and facilitate the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.

The signatories also request the following actions from the international community:

• All States Parties to the Genocide Convention to fulfil their obligation to prevent genocide: The UN Security Council and member states must take collaborative action to ensure that the provisional measures are implemented in full.

• International Criminal Court prosecutor must expedite investigations into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israel and Palestinian armed groups: A thorough and independent investigation is crucial to bring perpetrators to justice and prevent future violations.

• World leaders to prioritise diplomacy and dialogue over violence: Secure the release of all hostages and work towards an immediate and lasting ceasefire that guarantees the safety and security of all Palestinians and Israelis.

While expressing support for the UN’s internal investigation, the people of Gaza and our members depend on the lifesaving support UNWRA provides. The Global Unions urge countries who have suspended their funding of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to re-consider.

The Global Unions below represent millions of workers across all sectors of the economy around the world. We are committed to promoting and protecting human and trade union rights around the world, and we will continue to raise our voices in defence of working people.

Building and Woodworkers International

Education International

IndustriALL

International Federation of Journalists

International Transport Workers’ Federation

Public Services International

UNI Global Union

ENDS