More

    First Person: Seeing the Reality of Life in Occupied Palestine

    GovernanceGlobal GovernanceFirst Person: Seeing the Reality of Life in Occupied...
    - Advertisment -

    First Person: Seeing the Reality of Life in Occupied Palestine

    Visiting the West Bank with an international trade union delegation was inspiring and motivating to campaign and fight for justice for Palestinians. Everyone told stories of journeys of just a few kilometres taking hours because of Israeli checkpoints, and described the fear and worry about their families and friends in Gaza.

    By Christina McAnea

    Travelling from Amman in Jordan to Ramallah the administrative centre of the Palestinian West Bank, as I did recently, gave me a first-hand view of the grim reality of being in an occupied territory.

    I was there in the last week in May as part of an international trade union delegation, at the request of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU), pictured above. It was the first time all eight international union federations had come together, representing over 200 million workers across 170 countries.

    I was there as part of Public Services International (PSI) along with PSI general secretary Daniel Bertossa.

    We all travelled in a minibus through a mountainous desert landscape, passing the Jordan River, through Jericho to Ramallah. We saw many Israeli settlements on high ridges, distinctive because of the protected barriers and telecoms masts.

    - Advertisement -

    The Israeli presence is everywhere in the West Bank. It is clear that the Israeli government controls all the borders, all the roads, movement of people and goods as well as money and even the flow of water.

    Roads are closed and checkpoints appear at will, making life difficult for ordinary Palestinians.

    While there, we met ministers and President Abbas from the government of the Palestinian Authority run by Fatah. Gaza is controlled by Hamas.

    The president was clear “we are against killing civilians, whatever their background”.

    He condemned the killings on 7 October 2023 and the devastation and death toll inflicted on Gaza and in the West Bank. He asked for the trade union movement’s support in getting recognition for the State of Palestine.

    Calling for a ceasefire

    I also met Palestinian workers, including those providing public service, and hearing about their daily lives and challenges had a huge impact. Workers only get paid for 2-3 days per week as there is no money for public services, while they face daily challenges in just moving around.

    Everyone told stories of journeys of just a few kilometres taking hours because of Israeli checkpoints, and described the fear and worry about their families and friends in Gaza.

    Everyone spoke of the need for help in rebuilding Gaza and supporting those still there.

    All of the union federations are calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire alongside increased aid.

    But, daily life, of course, often comes down to simple things. I spoke to a public service worker from the Jenin refugee camp and his dream was for a night where he didn’t worry about Israeli soldiers coming into the camp and for a small patch of ground where he could play safely with his children. Such modest dreams yet so out of his reach.

    On my return journey to Jordan, at the border crossing, this was once again under the scrutiny of Israeli guards – even though this is not Israel but Palestine.

    I felt inspired and motivated, more than ever, to campaign and fight for justice for all Palestinians.

    Christina McAnea is the general secretary of the British trade union, UNISON.

    Image: Wikimedia / WAFA / Wiki Palestine

    - Advertisement -

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Latest news

    Sri Lanka’s Elephant Corridor Plan ‘Unscientific’

    Nearly 5,000 elephants and 1,600 people have been killed in the last 15 years in clashes between elephants and humans in Sri Lanka, home to one of the largest remaining populations of Asian elephants, according to official figures.

    New Projections Show Extreme Glacier Loss Already at 2°C

    Staying close to 1.5°C on the other hand preserves at least some glacier ice in all regions, even Scandinavia, with 20-30 per cent remaining in the four most sensitive regions; and 40-45 per cent in the Himalayas and Caucuses; stressing the growing urgency of the 1.5°C temperature goal and rapid decarbonization to achieve it.

    Government Extends Interest Relief for Farmers, Reinforces KCC and MISS as Pillars of Agricultural Credit

    Through the KCC framework, farmers benefit from revolving credit facilities for up to five years. This flexible structure allows them to draw and repay funds as per their seasonal requirements without having to reapply for loans each season.

    Legal Battle Brews Over Rampant Illegal Sand Mining in Meghna River

    The massive profits coupled with a weak legal framework have drawn influential individuals with political connections into the sand mining business, making it dangerous for environmental activists and journalists to speak out.
    - Advertisement -

    Yunus Warns of ‘War-Like Situation’ Amid Political Crisis and Rising Tensions

    The high-stakes meeting brought together 20 leaders from various political parties and organisations in two separate sessions, as Yunus sought to shore up support amid reports of internal tensions within his interim government and growing external pressure.

    Vice President Calls for Direct Subsidies and Agri-Entrepreneurship at Madhya Pradesh Conclave

    He urged agro-based industries, NGOs, MPs, and MLAs to adopt villages and help build agri-entrepreneurial ecosystems.

    Must read

    Sri Lanka’s Elephant Corridor Plan ‘Unscientific’

    Nearly 5,000 elephants and 1,600 people have been killed in the last 15 years in clashes between elephants and humans in Sri Lanka, home to one of the largest remaining populations of Asian elephants, according to official figures.

    New Projections Show Extreme Glacier Loss Already at 2°C

    Staying close to 1.5°C on the other hand preserves at least some glacier ice in all regions, even Scandinavia, with 20-30 per cent remaining in the four most sensitive regions; and 40-45 per cent in the Himalayas and Caucuses; stressing the growing urgency of the 1.5°C temperature goal and rapid decarbonization to achieve it.
    - Advertisement -

    More from the sectionRELATED
    Recommended to you