International Women’s Day Statement

8 March 2024

As the historical injustice against the Palestinian people continues, Arab Trade Union Women commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day under the weight of a shocking abandonment by the international community of fundamental human rights and principles, allowing the occupying forces to commit genocide in Gaza and to attempt to erase the just cause of the Palestinian people.

For over five months, the world has witnessed daily scenes of killing, destruction, and starvation in the Gaza Strip, as well as arrests and killings in the West Bank, carried out by the region’s most brutal military occupation, which has trampled international law and human rights principles for decades.

The Palestinian people — and particularly Palestinian women — are enduring unbearable hardship, as confirmed by daily indicators of the ongoing crushing and extermination campaign in Gaza. Women and children account for over 70% of the casualties, whether killed or injured. Over 50,000 pregnant women face grave health risks due to the destruction of 80% of Gaza’s hospitals. This is in addition to the killings, demolitions of homes, settler violence, and arbitrary arrests that have affected more than 160 women and 270 children in the West Bank.

The case brought by the Republic of South Africa before the International Court of Justice, with evidence and testimony of acts of genocide in Gaza, is not only a test for the global justice system but also a call to action for the entire civil society. This case must be supported by all forces in solidarity with the Palestinian people to form an international pressure front to stop the war and bring the occupation’s leadership to justice.

As Arab Trade Union Women commemorate International Women’s Day, they strongly condemn the genocide being perpetrated by the occupation forces against civilians and express their full solidarity with the Palestinian people. They call for the unification of trade unions and human rights efforts by all peace- and freedom-loving forces to demand:

· An immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

· An international investigation into war crimes and genocide by the occupying power.

· The full opening of Gaza’s border crossings to allow the flow of food and medical aid.

· Urgent funding for a protection program for women and children, covering health, psychological, and nutritional needs.

· Holding international institutions accountable for protecting UNRWA as a lifeline for Gaza’s residents.

· A boycott of companies and institutions investing in illegal settlements.

· The establishment of UN defense teams to represent detained women and children in occupation courts.

· Ensuring international protection for relief workers and volunteer teams entering Gaza.

Long live Palestine, free and independent! Long live Arab Woman Trade unionists.