BWI condemns escalation of violence in Jenin

Photo: Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP/Getty Images

BWI joins the International community in condemning the escalation of violence against Palestinians in Jenin, causing the death of at least ten people and injury of around a hundred. We express our full solidarity with the BWI-affiliated Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU).

BWI condemns all forms of violence and is greatly concerned about the severe impact the escalation of the conflict has on the more than 130,000 workers crossing the border everyday. Violence is a major obstacle in achieving decent working conditions for all workers, including construction workers, who are estimated to represent 70 percent of the Palestinian workforce in Israel, and the majority of those crossing the border. BWI reiterates that fundamental rights, like trade union rights, can only be fully enjoyed in a climate of peace, security, and democracy.

BWI supports UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's call for an immediate ceasefire, a stop to the killings, and a de-escalation of the latest round of violence. We reiterate the need for a just and sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine, in accordance with the legitimacy of international law and, in particular, Resolutions 242 and 338 of the UN Security Council.