Israel: ITUC backs general strike

ITUC affiliate Histadrut has also called for the action to oppose the economic policies of the government which threaten the quality of public services and significantly impact the daily lives of working people. The strike follows demands Histadrut made earlier this year in which it called for new elections, an end to the war in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

The general strike follows the discovery of six hostages who were found dead having been killed a few days earlier. It is thought that approximately 100 people are still being held hostage in Gaza.

ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle said: "The ITUC fully supports this general strike in Israel. A conclusion to this crisis can only be reached through negotiation. The Netanyahu government must listen to Histadrut and the working people of Israel. And Israelis are demanding new elections. The current government must therefore present itself to the Israeli people to be held accountable for its recent policies.

"Along with the release of the hostages, the current negotiations must include an immediate ceasefire in the region, the safe return of all workers trapped by the conflict and an urgent increase in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

"We must see a permanent end to the war along with a plan for the reconstruction and recovery of Gaza, the implementation on the ground of the two-state solution with security guarantees and responsibilities for both sides. A sustainable peace can only be founded on the principles of human rights, common security, respect, freedom, and democracy.

"The cycle of violence only empowers extremists on both sides; it must end and must be replaced by dialogue that is grounded in equal rights, dignity, and respect for both Israelis and Palestinians. Aggression must be replaced by justice and common security in accordance with international law."

• Israel
• Palestine
• Strike