Commenting after the passing of motion 36 at NEU Annual Conference, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“The NEU today reiterates its call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and for justice and equality for the Palestinian people.
“The relentless Israeli bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians since 7 October, over 70% of whom are women and children.
“Children should not pay the price of war. Yet more children have been killed in Gaza in four months than in four years of worldwide wars according to the UN. More than a million of Gaza’s children are displaced and education has completely stopped, with more than 80% of all school buildings damaged or destroyed.
“Women and children are also among those held hostage by Hamas. The NEU is unequivocal in its condemnation of the abhorrent attacks carried out by Hamas on 7 October. We call for the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all hostages.
“Under international law, Israel has a clear obligation to ensure the basic needs of Gaza’s population are met. As famine looms in Gaza, the UK Government and the international community must urgently secure an immediate and lasting ceasefire and unfettered aid access.
“The NEU believes this must be the first step towards justice and human rights for all Palestinians and the realisation of their right to self-determination and independence. This must include accountability for all violations of international law, an end to the illegal occupation of Gaza and the West Bank and for negotiations leading to a just and enduring peace.”