International Labour Organizations Protest Israeli Genocide in Gaza in Front of UN Office in Türkiye

Representatives of international labour organizations from around the world staged a protest in front of the United Nations Türkiye Office to condemn Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. The demonstration, held during the “Labour, Digitalization, and Social Justice” International Congress hosted by Memur-Sen, drew strong criticism of the UN’s inaction in the face of Israel’s war crimes.

During the multilingual press statement — delivered in Turkish, English, and Arabic by Memur-Sen President Ali Yalçın, Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions Secretary General Ghanfi Zidan Nima, and Lithuanian Labour Federation President Jelena Soms, the speakers emphasized that for over 18 months, Gaza has been subjected to a brutal campaign that flagrantly violates international law, humanitarian principles, and fundamental human rights.

The statement noted that over 51,000 Palestinians, including thousands of children, women, and civilians, have been killed. Hospitals have been bombed, medical workers and aid workers executed, UN personnel, and journalists deliberately targeted and murdered. Gaza has been turned into ruins, with no safe haven left standing. In addition to relentless airstrikes, the Israeli regime is systematically starving the population through the deliberate denial of food, water, and medicine.

The statement powerfully asked: "Have you seen the children who managed to survive? They don’t even have the strength to cry anymore. They remain silent — and the world has responded to their silent screams with silence of its own." It further stressed that this genocide is not just Israel’s crime, but also that of the complicit states — primarily the United States — providing political, military, financial, and intelligence support. “Every bomb falling on Gaza does so with their approval, supply, and protection.” 

Union leaders demanded that the United Nations move beyond condemnations and take concrete steps to halt the attacks. They called for the prosecution and punishment of all individuals responsible for war crimes in Gaza and urged immediate political, economic, and military sanctions against Israel.

The statement concluded with a powerful call for global solidarity:
“We, as trade unionists representing the conscience of workers across the world, stand with the oppressed people of Palestine. We stand for justice, freedom, and human dignity. We will never remain silent. We will continue to speak out — everywhere and always — against the crimes of imperialism led by Israel and the United States. We salute the courageous individuals around the world who, despite threats to their careers, freedoms, and lives, choose to stand on the side of Palestine. Let it be known: oppression is not eternal. The perpetrators and their supporters will be held accountable. Down with genocidal tyranny! Long live free Palestine! Long live peace, justice, and solidarity!”

Following the statement, a symbolic black wreath was laid in front of the UN Türkiye Office.