The Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions strongly condemns, in the harshest terms, the Israeli government’s attack on the vessels of the solidarity flotilla heading to the Gaza Strip, in blatant violation of international and humanitarian laws that guarantee the freedom of relief and solidarity work.
The Federation also strongly denounces the Israeli naval forces’ arrest of trade union leader Fatma Zengin, Vice President of the Turkish Trade Union Confederation (HAK-İŞ) and Head of the Women’s Department, along with a number of activists and solidarity participants, while they were taking part in this humanitarian mission.
This arbitrary detention constitutes a flagrant assault on international trade union work and a serious violation of the rights of trade unionists and activists who express their legitimate solidarity with our Palestinian people in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Accordingly, the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions calls on the International Labour Organization (ILO) and all international trade union federations around the world to condemn this illegal act and to take a clear stance in defense of trade union freedoms and the right to international solidarity.
The Federation also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of trade union leader Fatma Zengin and her colleagues, and for ensuring their safety, secure return, and the cessation of all arbitrary measures against them.
It further affirms its continued struggle alongside the international trade union movement in defense of the rights of Palestinian workers and in promotion of the values of justice, freedom, and solidarity.
The Federation highly appreciates the leading efforts of Mr. Mahmoud Arslan, President of the Turkish Trade Union Confederation (HAK-İŞ), in strengthening international trade union solidarity, particularly his continued support for lifting the blockade on the Gaza Strip and his sincere advocacy for the cause of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque in various regional and international forums.
It also commends his active presence at the International Labour Organization and his continuous participation in international trade union activities and events, including rallies and demonstrations in front of the Palais des Nations, which reflect his firm commitment to the values of justice, freedom, and human rights.
In this context, the Federation strongly condemns the genocide and widespread destruction inflicted upon our people in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the martyrdom of thousands of civilians, in blatant violation of all international laws and conventions. It also denounces the deprivation of more than 240,000 Palestinian workers from reaching their workplaces inside the 1948 territories, which has deepened the suffering of workers and their families and pushed them into catastrophic economic and social conditions.
Secretary-General Shaher Saed affirmed that these noble positions led by Mr. Arslan reflect the depth of humanitarian and trade union belonging, and embody the highest meanings of brotherhood and solidarity among the workers of the world, especially the workers of Palestine, who will never forget these supportive stances.
Saed added that this honorable role represents a living model of free trade union work and contributes to strengthening the joint struggle for justice and dignity for our people.
Long live international trade union solidarity with Palestine and Palestinian workers.
Video of the moment the vessel was stormed by occupation forces and international solidarity activists were arrested, including trade union leader Fatma Zengin, Vice President of the Turkish Trade Union Confederation (HAK-İŞ).
