07:41 AM, December 18, 2023
Largest health care union in US calls for Gaza ceasefire
The largest health care union in America is calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, adding to the growing list of labor organizations in the U.S. urging Israel to end its strikes targeting Hamas terrorists due to concern for Palestinian civilians.
The executive council of 1199SEIU, which represents more than 450,000 health care workers throughout New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida and Washington, D.C., called for the ceasefire in a statement Friday.
“1199SEIU calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, to allow for urgent humanitarian relief amid the collapse of the territory’s health and other infrastructure,” the statement begins.
“We reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’ attack on October 7, the killings, use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, and kidnappings of Israelis and foreign nationals. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages taken by Hamas and the end to indiscriminate rocket attacks against Israel.”
The union’s call for a ceasefire comes as tensions continue to rise in the region, with widespread destruction and loss of life on both sides of the conflict.
The statement from 1199SEIU adds to the growing international calls for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip.
“We urge all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians, and to work towards a sustainable peace agreement that respects the rights and dignity of all people in the region,” the statement concludes.
The union’s stance on the conflict reflects the growing concern for the impact of the violence on the health and safety of civilians in the region.
Read the full article by Fox Business’ Breck Dumas