By MUA media release
The Maritime Union of Australia today condemned the Israeli invasion of Gaza and called for the Australian Government to back the United Nations General Assembly calls for an immediate withdrawal and ceasefire.
"We call on the international trade union movement and the Australian Government to join the UN General Assembly condemnation of the invasion as a 'monstrosity' and the Israeli blockade of Gaza as a breach of international law," said MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin.
The national secretary said that the union did not condone terrorism or the killing of innocents by either side, but noted the disproportionate loss of Palestinian lives.
"Even by conservative estimates nearly a quarter of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in the latest bloodshed are civilians - men women and children," he said. "More than 500 Palestinians have been killed in the past week against the 20 Israelis deaths by Hamas rockets in the past eight years. Israel is not eliminating Islamic extremism by such bloodshed, it is helping create it - worldwide. Far from their intent of creating a more moderate Palestinian government they are giving Hamas even more legitimacy and support among Arab and Islamic peoples."
Mr Crumlin said he also noted the cynicism of the Israeli government in moving before US President elect Barack Obama replaces Bush in the White House on January 20 and the Israeli elections in February.
"The Australian government should not wait for the Democrats to take office, but act immediately in speaking out against the invasion and calling for peace negotiations to resume."
The Maritime Union will be supporting people in the occupied territory through the ACTU aid agency Apheda and calls on members to do likewise.
Apheda reports medical supplies in Palestinian hospitals are seriously depleted due to the Israeli-imposed blockade of the Gaza Strip for the past two years.
In a Palestinian population of 1.5 million in the Gaza Strip, the United Nations reports that almost 80 percent of Palestinian families are almost entirely dependent on food aid or direct assistance
"Union Aid Abroad -APHEDA calls on the government of Israel to immediately cease all military attacks and open the borders for the flow of essentials: water, food, medicine and fuel."
To deliver much needed assistance, Union Aid Abroad is asking for a ONE-OFF DONATION, to help continue to implement our program in Gaza.
How to Donate
Phone
1800 888 674 (toll free)
Email
office@apheda.org.au
Cheque
The national secretary said that the union did not condone terrorism or the killing of innocents by either side, but noted the disproportionate loss of Palestinian lives.
"Even by conservative estimates nearly a quarter of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in the latest bloodshed are civilians - men women and children," he said. "More than 500 Palestinians have been killed in the past week against the 20 Israelis deaths by Hamas rockets in the past eight years. Israel is not eliminating Islamic extremism by such bloodshed, it is helping create it - worldwide. Far from their intent of creating a more moderate Palestinian government they are giving Hamas even more legitimacy and support among Arab and Islamic peoples."
Mr Crumlin said he also noted the cynicism of the Israeli government in moving before US President elect Barack Obama replaces Bush in the White House on January 20 and the Israeli elections in February.
"The Australian government should not wait for the Democrats to take office, but act immediately in speaking out against the invasion and calling for peace negotiations to resume."
The Maritime Union will be supporting people in the occupied territory through the ACTU aid agency Apheda and calls on members to do likewise.
Apheda reports medical supplies in Palestinian hospitals are seriously depleted due to the Israeli-imposed blockade of the Gaza Strip for the past two years.
In a Palestinian population of 1.5 million in the Gaza Strip, the United Nations reports that almost 80 percent of Palestinian families are almost entirely dependent on food aid or direct assistance
"Union Aid Abroad -APHEDA calls on the government of Israel to immediately cease all military attacks and open the borders for the flow of essentials: water, food, medicine and fuel."
To deliver much needed assistance, Union Aid Abroad is asking for a ONE-OFF DONATION, to help continue to implement our program in Gaza.
How to Donate
Phone
1800 888 674 (toll free)
office@apheda.org.au
Cheque
Made to Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA and posted to:
Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA,
Level 3, 377-383 Sussex Street,
Sydney NSW 2000.
Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA,
Level 3, 377-383 Sussex Street,
Sydney NSW 2000.
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