As the United States was preparing to open its highly controversial embassy in Jerusalem, the Israeli military met Palestinian protesters in Gaza with tear gas and live ammunition. Yesterday, at least 61 Palestinians were killed—including seven children—and 2,700 were injured, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. No Israelis were killed.

Over the past six weeks, more than 7,000 Gazans have been wounded and 110 lost their lives during protests at their boarder with Israel.

In response to this atrocious use of deadly force, UNI General Secretary Philip Jennings said:

“The use of excessive, asymmetric force by the Israeli military is beyond disturbing, and it should be immediately halted and investigated. Those who have violated national and international law should be held accountable.”

“The path to peace is not paved with bullet casings and tear gas canisters. It is found through mutual respect, common interests, and collective goals. Those conditions cannot exist in the miasma of extreme violence.”

A delegation of UNI Global Union’s leadership visited Palestine and Israel in March to encourage the labour movement’s role in fostering peace and improving conditions for workers there. Unions have played a key part in brokering peace in previous conflicts, for example Ireland and Colombia.

The mission visited Ramallah, Tel Aviv, and surrounding areas to meet with union leaders, peace activists, members of parliament, business groups, and inhabitants of refugee camps.