Failed US Move Towards Ceasefire - Too Little, Far Too Late

Newsletter – 22/03/24

The US finally decided to call for a ceasefire in Gaza after almost six months of slaughter that has resulted in 32,000 lives lost, widespread famine and a flattened landscape. Each of the three previous UN ceasefire resolutions were vetoed by the US; this time it was Russia and China who put the breaks on.

The Chinese ambassador to the UN claimed the US resolution was disingenuous; the Russian ambassador said it was ‘exceedingly politicised’. The resolution merely ‘urged’ against the invasion of Rafah, and the document set preconditions for a ceasefire which, according to its detractors, would lead to the ‘destruction, devastation or expulsion’ of Palestinians in Gaza.

The US resolution was clearly a calculated political move from Joe Biden in view of November’s presidential election. The lives of Palestinians mean nothing to him or those in charge of western governments. If they did, this call for a ceasefire would have happened in October.

It is sickening that as the UN debates, Israel continues its genocide unabated and a human-made famine takes hold of Gaza. We must continue to demand a comprehensive, immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to all arms sales to Israel.

We urge all our groups and supporters to step up their activities in building for another massive march on Saturday 30th March – Palestine Land Day – starting with tomorrow’s National Day of Action.

We need volunteers to help at the demonstration. Are you able to lend us a hand as a steward, distributing placards or helping on the Stop the War stall? If you are available on the day let us know by emailing us via the button below…

Upcoming Local Meetings

This week there are local StWC public meetings taking place in Wembley and Battersea, we’re supporting a vigil for Yemen outside No. 10 and we’ve got a film screening in Newport. There’s plenty more activity coming up over the coming weeks with a fringe meeting at NEU Conference in Bournemouth, a public meeting on NATO in Lewisham and an online trade union rally.

If you’d like to organise a local meeting where you are, don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]

Stop the War Trade Union Network Update

Our next Workplace Day of Action has been called on International Workers’ Day – Weds 1st May! We’re calling on workers in all sectors to show their solidarity with the Palestinian people and call for an immediate ceasefire.

Can you organise a lunchtime rally, canteen meeting or a wear a badge for Palestine day in your workplace? We’ve got six weeks to build as much action as possible around the country. Start organising now! 

We’ll be hosting an online rally on Mon 15th April to build momentum towards the day. We’ve also got a date in for our postponed Trade Union Conference – that will now take place on Sat 8th June at Resource for London on Holloway Rd in London. More details on both of those to follow very soon.