NASUWT is horrified by Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza and the devastating impact on civilians. We join with other trade unions in expressing our concern and demanding immediate action to address this horrific crisis.

Over 21 months of relentless strikes and blockade have caused untold devastation, bloodshed and suffering. Respected international agencies now warn that Israel’s restrictions on aid are causing mass starvation. Significant numbers of civilians, including children, have been killed by Israeli forces while seeking food, water and shelter at Israeli and US-backed aid distribution points.

This timeline of horrors is unfolding in plain sight and the violence shows no sign of abating. Despite growing international condemnation, current measures have failed to stop the atrocities. While we note this month’s joint statement by foreign ministers calling for an end to the assault and urgent access for aid, words alone are not enough.

We stand in solidarity with children and teachers in both Israel and Palestine and extend our deepest condolences to all who have lost loved ones. We reaffirm that every child has the right to live in safety and security, free from violence and fear.

NASUWT calls on the trade union movement, the UK Government and the international community to use every diplomatic, political and economic tool available to:

• Deliver an immediate and permanent ceasefire, with the protection of civilians as the highest priority;

• Guarantee the safe, rapid and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, including food, water, electricity, fuel and medical supplies;

• Protect aid workers and support the rebuilding of essential infrastructure;

• Secure the immediate, unconditional and safe release of all hostages;

• Formally recognise the State of Palestine as a practical step towards a viable two-state solution, guaranteeing equal rights and democracy;

• End the illegal occupation and halt Israel’s continued expansion of settlements and annexations, which violate international law and undermine prospects for peace;

• Suspend all sales of UK arms and related materials and products to Israel and halt military-industrial collaboration;

• Suspend the existing UK-Israel trade agreement and impose a full ban on imports of goods from illegal settlements;

• Impose and enforce sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for war crimes and violations of international law;

• Defend the right to speak, organise and protest peacefully in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Recognition of Palestine cannot wait for a future negotiation. It is not a symbolic act but a necessary step toward a credible political peace process. Every day that passes without recognition makes a just solution harder to achieve.

NASUWT deplores the rise in antisemitism, anti-Muslim racism and all forms of hate and division during this crisis. We stand with working people, their families and communities everywhere and reject all attempts to sow division.

We remain committed to working with Education International, the TUC, ICTU, STUC, TUCC and other civil society and humanitarian organisations to press for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace, grounded in international law, equality, democracy and respect for human and labour rights.

With the UN conference on the two-state solution in New York approaching, the UK must demonstrate leadership and resolve to end this humanitarian catastrophe and help secure peace and justice for all.