Stop Israel's repression of Gaza

Conference condemns the killing and wounding of hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) in recent months, culminating in the terrible slaughter during May. The union agrees with the Labour leadership in condemning the Israeli government for its brutal, murderous and entirely unjustified actions on the Gazan border.

Conference believes these actions were far worse than a disproportionate over-reaction. They were the culmination of weeks of a systematic and deliberate policy of killing and maiming unarmed protestors and bystanders, some shot in the back and many of them children who posed no threat to the border, nor to those who fired the deadly shots.

Conference demands the immediate end to IDF attacks and the immediate lifting of the blockade of Gaza.

Conference believes that the Israeli government must be held to account for its flagrant disregard of international law. The union notes Jeremy Corbyn’s call for a review of UK arms sales to Israel. We call for an immediate end to this trade.

Conference reaffirms the longstanding FBU policy of support for the self-determination of the Palestinian people and the right of the Palestinian people to protest in support of their rights. The union supports the trade union policy of boycotting Israeli goods produced in the occupied territories.

Conference condemns Donald Trump’s inflammatory decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, which jeopardises the possibility of a peaceful solution acceptable to the majority of Palestinians and Israelis who live in the region.

We call for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Occupied Territories. We support the immediate establishment of a viable Palestinian state, to be recognised by the UK government and other governments, and international bodies.

Conference supports the Palestinian firefighters, trade unions, civil society organisations and campaigners fighting for Palestinian rights. The union is proud of our longstanding record of practical solidarity with the Palestinian people in general and Palestinian firefighters in particular, including visits, conveys, supplies and training organised by various FBU international, regional and brigade committees.

Conference agrees to a delegation, organised by the Executive Council, to visit Palestine and Israel at the earliest opportunity in order to meet trade unions and political organisations campaigning for justice. This will also facilitate a wider review of the current situation, including a review of the various FBU policies in this regard.

Conference recognises the (currently) small minority of Israeli citizens who support Palestinian rights, fighting against a tide of chauvinism within Israel. The FBU maintains our direct relations with Israeli firefighters in the Histadrut. The union also reaffirms our links with organisations such as WAC-MAAN, Peace Now and other Israeli based campaigns for peace and equality, who stand on the side of workers and who support Palestinian rights and a peaceful and democratic solution, in very difficult circumstances.