Israel-Palestine: Stop atrocities against civilians, ceasefire now

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) expresses grave concern at the escalation of violence against civilians and thousands of workers in Gaza and across Israel. BWI calls on the United Nations, the international community, and all countries in the region to act for peace, de-escalation of violence and robust actions to halt the war on innocent civilians, and deliver the two-state solution. All efforts should be made to protect civilians from a humanitarian catastrophe and call on the UN and international community to exercise influence to safeguard civilians' access to basic needs, water, food, medicine and energy. 

Therefore, we call on the international community to work together to immediately start a peace process under the auspices of the United Nations. BWI echoes the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ calls for a “negotiated peace” that fulfills the national aspirations of the Palestinians and the materialisation of the needs of Israel for security through a vision of the two-state solution and demand to “end the vicious circle of bloodshed, hatred and polarisation in the Middle East.” Workers and their families are unfortunate victims of all wars, and their fundamental rights must be protected. BWI believes that it is compelling now for the United Nations to intervene with a decisive action to halt – and finally end the decades-long conflict. 

The loss of innocent lives is an unacceptable outcome of the conflict. BWI extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives during this deeply tragic and challenging time.