In a statement, the UGT expressed “profound horror” and demanded “the immediate end of the war in Gaza and the repression in Palestine,” following the escalation of conflict since the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.
“UGT condemns the atrocity of Hamas but considers the subsequent collective punishment against millions of Palestinians, which has resulted in over 60,000 deaths (including 15,000 children) in nearly 22 months of war, as brutal and unacceptable,” the trade union stressed.
Accusing the international community of being paralyzed in the face of a humanitarian catastrophe where “two million Palestinians in Gaza face starvation and bombings” by Israel, “while three million in the West Bank suffer daily violence, humiliation, and land confiscation,” UGT, in line with the position of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-CSI), called for “a permanent and urgent ceasefire, as well as the delivery of essential humanitarian aid,” such as food, water, and medicine for civilians in Gaza.
UGT also demanded an immediate halt to the supply of weapons to all parties involved in the conflict, the release of all hostages and prisoners, the recognition of the State of Palestine, and a solution involving two independent states, as well as strengthening democracy and peace in the West Bank, allowing the Palestinian Authority to form a legitimate government.
Portugal admitted on Wednesday that it might recognize the State of Palestine in September during the United Nations General Assembly session, a position stated in a joint declaration signed by diplomatic leaders from 12 European countries, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, at the conclusion of the two-state solution conference.
On Thursday, the Portuguese Prime Minister announced plans to consult the President of the Republic and political parties with parliamentary representation regarding the potential recognition of the Palestinian state.
Currently, at least 142 of the 193 UN member countries recognize the Palestinian state, according to France-Presse agency data.
