All wars are fought against children
Federation is deeply saddened and concerned at the level of human suffering and pain being experienced by communities in Israel and Palestine, and naturally, by their loved ones across the world.
We reiterate our strong opposition to all violence as well as racism, including antisemitism, in all its forms.
We join with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in condemning the recent attacks on civilians by Hamas and Israel, with thousands of deaths already recorded on each side of the border, many more injured and others continuing to be held as hostages. (Israel Palestine – International Trade Union Confederation (ituc-csi.org)
Consistent with the position stated by UN appointed independent rights experts “there is no justification for violence that indiscriminately targets innocent civilians, whether by Hamas or Israeli forces,” Federation condemns any state, organisation or military force that attacks civilian targets.
While the attacks perpetrated by Hamas deserve international condemnation, the actions of the Israeli Government cannot be justified in any way.
Israel’s air offensive over multiple days and total blockade of the Occupied Gaza strip demonstrates its continued indifference to the plight of civilians and innocents in Palestine, including children.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, since October 7 Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 2,670 Palestinians with 9,600 more wounded. Over 1,000 people are estimated to be missing under the rubble. Among the thousands killed by the Israeli attacks so far are more than 700 Palestinian children. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) estimates more than 423,000 people have already been internally displaced in Gaza due to Israeli’s indiscriminate military strikes.
Many of those with nowhere to go are children. Humanitarian aid has been barred to enter into Gaza and Israel has ensured that there is no more water, food, medicine, or access to power coming in.
Federation has particular concern for the children of occupied Gaza who continue to be subjected to collective punishment and constant militarised coercion. As recently as July 2023 Federation’s Annual Conference passed a resolution that stated in relation to the children of Gaza: “Their human rights, including their right to education, continue to be attacked by the expansionist Israeli state and their illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.”
Federation supports Education International’s call on the international community to do their utmost to stop the bloodshed and avoid any further deepening of this humanitarian crisis. (Joint EI-ETUCE Statement on Israel and Palestine (ei-ie.org)
Whilst there have been limited calls by the Australian government for the parties to exercise restraint, we are appalled by the lack of leadership both here and internationally for failing to call out atrocities committed by Israel, having rightly condemned Hamas for its actions, and to call for an unconditional ceasefire. Calling for safe passage for humanitarian aid via the Egyptian border goes nowhere near far enough.
The ongoing violence in Israel and Palestine must be ceased immediately and the international community must commence the work necessary to address its root cause: the unjust and illegal occupation of Palestine.
Right to protest and peaceful assembly
Federation expresses its deep concern at the NSW government’s approach to the current crisis; with its decision-making and public commentary mostly having the effect of unnecessarily fanning the anger and profound sadness of Palestinian communities here in Australia.
Racism including antisemitism has no place here or anywhere, but peaceful assembly and peaceful protest and the expression of solidarity must never be restricted by the state.
Union Aid Abroad APHEDA Gaza Emergency Appeal
The Federation’s affiliated body, Union Aid Abroad APHEDA, has launched a Gaza Emergency Appeal in conjunction with their partner organisation MA’AN Development Center, who will work with local organisations in Gaza to provide access to water, food, medical supplies and shelter; psychosocial support for families and individuals; and dignity and hygiene kits for displaced people. All members are encouraged to donate to this appeal.
Update- 4 August 2025
Genocide and starvation – call for urgent action
The NSW Teachers Federation stands resolute in its urgent and active support for the children, teachers and broader population of Gaza and all Palestinian people under occupation who are enduring unconscionable pain, suffering, starvation and bombardment.
The union will continue to support humanitarian aid efforts, including APHEDA’s programs, to help feed the population of Gaza in the face of engineered mass starvation by the state of Israel.
The Federation emphatically restates its commitment to the ACTU statement on Gaza and strongly supports the call for the Albanese government to impose immediate sanctions on Israel and join with nations across the globe in recognising the state of Palestine at the United Nations.
Further, we resolve to work with the union movement in NSW, and across Australia as well as civil society and community groups, and government to achieve peace and justice for the Palestinian people and a political and diplomatic settlement consistent with United Nations’ resolutions.
The union will participate in actions in partnership with other unions, civil society and community groups that may include endorsed activities of mobilisation, lobbying, publicity, humanitarian support and political and community campaigning.
UPDATE – 28 May 2025
The Australian Union movement is a movement of peace and solidarity. We continue to be horrified by the humanitarian catastrophe facing Palestinians in Gaza. The ACTU reiterates our previous statements and resolutions of October 2023, February and April 2024. The Australian Union movement condemns the Israeli Government’s blockade since 2 March on humanitarian aid, including food, entering Gaza, putting more than two million Palestinians at critical risk of mass starvation. The Israeli Government has sought to shut down the existing aid and distribution system run by the United Nations and humanitarian partners and establish its own delivery mechanisms by the Israeli military, contravening fundamental humanitarian principles, and meaning large parts of Gaza will go without supplies.
The Australian Union movement strongly opposes the escalation of Israeli military operations in Gaza, with the Israel Defence Forces launching ground forces into northern and southern Gaza and the intensification of air strikes, following the announcement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel had approved plans to seize control of the Gaza Strip and forcibly move hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
The ACTU condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war and urges Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice’s order to take immediate steps to prevent acts of genocide, punish incitement to genocide, and facilitate the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. Israel must immediately provide food and essentials to people in Gaza and ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.
We stand in solidarity with workers such as health workers who are both dealing with the immediate risk to their own health and safety and of caring for those injured, dying and facing starvation.
We continue to call for the immediate release of all remaining Israeli hostages by Hamas and condemn their abuses of human rights.
The ACTU calls on the Australian Government to take immediate steps to secure peace and compliance with international law by:
- Using all influence, pressure and diplomatic measures — including the use of targeted sanctions — to achieve a permanent ceasefire and pressure the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza, immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, respect international law and Palestinians’ human rights.
- Co-ordinating with the United Nations, humanitarian organisations, and the international community to support the deployment of a humanitarian convoy to Gaza, and support the immediate, unhindered and safe passage of humanitarian aid.
- Ending all military trade (including parts and components) with Israel, and working with other governments to ensure that Australian exports are not contributing to breaches of international law
- Supporting international efforts to prosecute violations of international law.
- Establishing emergency humanitarian visa pathways and fast-tracking all pending visa applications for Palestinians fleeing Gaza.
- Recognising the State of Palestine
The ACTU calls for an end to the occupation of Palestine and a just and sustainable peace in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, including the removal of illegal settlements, the withdrawal of Israel from all Palestinian lands along with the dismantling of the separation wall. In line with the ACTU’s commitment to a two-state solution with the security of borders for both nations, we call on all countries to recognise, without delay, Palestine as a sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This will confirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination in a free and independent Palestine.
Implementing a two-state solution is the path to lasting peace, safety and security for both the peoples of Israel and Palestine.
UPDATE – 14 May, 2025
Education International denounces the mass destruction of life and widespread suffering caused by the ongoing war in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories
The current Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip has led to an intolerable humanitarian catastrophe and UN experts warn that people in Gaza are at critical risk of famine, with 500,000 facing starvation. This blockade is preventing the entry of vital supplies of food, safe drinking water, medical aid and other life sustaining items. International law states that the use of starvation of the civilian population as a method of war constitutes a war crime.
In addition, the Israeli government has announced plans to expand military operations in Gaza, with the aim of establishing a “sustained presence” and a ”conquest.” Such military escalation would lead to another forced displacement of many thousands of Palestinian civilians who are already living in overcrowded and undersupplied zones.
The Education International World Congress in July 2024, passed a resolution in solidarity with Palestine which calls for a lasting ceasefire, the opening of all land crossings and the lifting of barriers for humanitarian access.
Education is a fundamental right, schools must be safe sanctuaries
On May 8, over 550 Palestinian children were forced out of their classrooms as heavily armed Israeli personnel stormed their schools in Shu’fat refugee camp. This assault reinforces the illegal closure orders issued by Israeli authorities against UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) -run schools without replacement, effectively denying Palestinian children their fundamental right to learn.
“Days after the destruction of yet another school, and two months after Israel reinstated its full siege on Gaza, we can say that education is not just under attack, it’s being erased,” stated Education International General Secretary David Edwards.
“Schools and education facilities should always be respected as safe sanctuaries by all armed actors and never targets of war or violence. Children have the right to learn in peace and safety,” he added.
In addition to this latest incident, EI reiterates its solidarity with union members in Palestine who have denounced the killings of thousands of teachers and students. They also report that those who survive are deeply affected by the trauma of war. EI and affiliate members also condemn the indiscriminate Israeli bombings of school buildings and universities which has left the education infrastructure in shambles. This destruction blocks access to education for Palestinian children today and jeopardizes the long-term development of an entire generation in Gaza.
Education International will continue to advocate for an end to the war, the release of all hostages, and a negotiated solution that leads to lasting peace. The international community must prioritize education in Palestine by rebuilding schools, providing psychological support for students and teachers, and ensuring the rights of educators so that every child in the region has the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream.
We remain committed to a two-state solution where a democratic and sovereign Palestine, lives in just and lasting peace and security, alongside a secure Israel.
UPDATE – 18 February, 2025
Peace, Climate Justice and Civil Rights Are Always Union Business
The NSW Teachers Federation is committed to peace, climate justice and civil rights for all people.
We remain opposed to all forms of war, climate injustice, discrimination and crimes against humanity.
It is always union business to defend, protect and promote local, national and international peace and security.
The Teachers Federation is opposed to all governments that flout international law or are complicit in supporting other governments that do.
All children must be able to grow up in a world where governments meet their legal obligations to ensure they can enjoy their rights under the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Article 6 of the convention:
- States Parties recognise that every child has the inherent right to life.
- States Parties shall ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child.
The children’s version of the convention explains to them that they have rights to an education and that their education:
…should teach them to understand their own rights, and to respect other people’s rights, cultures and differences. It should help them to live peacefully and protect the environment.
Children must not be taught to hate.
Peace and human rights education is essential work for teachers in the public education system.
There is no place in Australia for extremism of any kind.
UPDATE – 7 February, 2025
Ceasefire in Gaza: Education International calls to rebuild the education system
Education International welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza as a crucial step towards ending the suffering and devastation that has plagued the region for the past 15 months.
This moment presents an urgent opportunity to shift focus from conflict to rebuilding and healing, with particular attention to the education system—a cornerstone of hope and stability for future generations. It is imperative to establish safe and inclusive learning environments where young minds and educators can thrive, free from fear and insecurity.
EI reaffirms its call to:
- Urgently implement the UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire, secure entry of aid, ensure the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, prevent forced displacement, and recognise Palestinian rights.
- Reopen the Rafah crossing, the only lifeline for over 1.5 million vulnerable people, and call for a massive increase in humanitarian aid.
- Ensure the binding implementation of international law in its entirety, noting that selective implementation diminishes us all.
- Urge the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor to expedite the investigation into all allegations of crimes against humanity.
- Support the two-state solution promoted by the United Nations General Assembly and UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338, end the occupation, and address the plight of Palestinian refugees. The first step towards this goal is the recognition of Palestine as a state.
- Ensure the unconditional release of all hostages and others held without due judicial process, including education workers.
- We are dedicated to strengthening solidarity between unions in Palestine and internationally to ensure that educators’ rights are protected.
UPDATE – 7 July, 2024
Annual Conference – Peace is Union Business
The NSW Teachers Federation is committed to peace. Peace is always union business.
We remain opposed to all forms of war.
The Federation is appalled by the rising death toll in Israel’s War on Gaza. We maintain our condemnation of all forms of attack on civilians by Israel and Hamas. The killing of in excess of 38,900 civilians, including 15,000 Gazan children, since October 7 is staggering. World Health Organisation warnings of catastrophic hunger in Gaza, with 8000 children under five years old suffering acute malnutrition and reports that 17,000 children are without their parents in the war-torn territory are beyond concerning. The claim from Save the Children that 250 Palestinian children from the West Bank are missing in the Israeli military detention system, with families unable to confirm their whereabouts and well-being due to restrictions on visitation since the war in Gaza is also beyond concerning.
The Federation reiterates its decades-held position that All Wars Are Fought Against Children.
We note recent reports that the UN are to add the Israeli army to its blacklist of those who harm children in conflict.
Federation acknowledges the news reported in the Guardian on 9 June that defence officials have confirmed Australian businesses continue to contribute to the supply chain for items used in F-35 war planes.
We stand by the position of the Australian Council for Trade Unions, calling on the Australian Government to take immediate steps to secure peace by using all influence, pressure and diplomatic measures to achieve a permanent ceasefire, ending all military trade with Israel and enacting targeted sanctions.
We repeat, All Wars Are Fought Against Children. We call for an immediate cessation to conflicts across the globe.
Federation reaffirms its position from the 2023 Annual Conference that we join:
…the growing chorus of concern that the AUKUS security pact signed by Australia with the US and the UK, made in secret with no public consultation or parliamentary debate nor scrutiny, compromises the pursuit of an independent foreign policy and has the potential to drag Australia into foreign conflict and war once more.
We are reminded and stand by the 1982 Annual Conference position that stated:
Conference opposes the involvement of Australia in the US military strategy through bases, landing rights for bombers and facilities for nuclear-armed vessels. These facilities, apart from infringing the sovereignty of our country, make Australia a potential target in the event of a nuclear war.”
To educate for peace requires priority government funding for public education, our public schools and TAFE colleges.
Federation will continue to show leadership and be active in line with our commitment to peace, including the continuation of our work with the anti-war, peace and broader union movements to expose and oppose the threat inherent in this rise in militarism.
UPDATE – 4 June, 2024
Global Union leaders affirm support for Palestinian Trade Unions and the Palestinian people
This week leaders of eight Global Union Federations (GUFs) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) travelled to Ramallah to convey their solidarity to unions in the West Bank and Gaza. These organisations represent almost every sector of the global economy and have members in more than 150 countries representing over 200 million workers. Working with Palestinian affiliates and others, the GUFs, all members of the Council of Global Unions (CGU), pledged to intensify efforts to help local trade unions navigate these difficult times for workers and fulfil their role as key
drivers of change in Palestine.
Click here to read the full statement.
UPDATE – 6 May, 2024
Global Student Forum and Education International joint statement on Palestine protests on university campuses
EI statement – 6 May 2024
The Global Student Forum and Education International stand in solidarity with university students and staff engaging in peaceful protests in support of the Palestinian people and against Israel’s war in Gaza, on campuses around the world.
By taking part in peaceful protests in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, India, Lebanon, Canada, and beyond, students and members of the academic community are exercising their freedom of expression and their freedom of assembly.
We are appalled to witness their peaceful dissent met with violence and removed by police forces invited onto campuses in certain cases. Universities are places of peace, learning, and debate. Violent repression and censorship go against the core values of higher education and must stop immediately.
We call on the leadership of all universities to protect the fundamental rights and civil liberties of all students and staff, including their freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and academic freedom.
We reiterate our strong condemnation of any form of Antisemitism and Islamophobia and restate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, unrestricted access to humanitarian aid, and commitment to building lasting peace in the region.
UPDATE – 22 April, 2024
ACTU Statement on Gaza
Media Release – April 22, 2024
The Australian Union movement is a movement of peace and respect for all races and nationalities. We oppose war, racism, and oppression. We act in solidarity.
The Australian Union movement is horrified by the escalating violence and death toll of civilians in Gaza. The ACTU reiterates its statements and resolution of 19 October 2023 and 23 February 2024 and continues to call for an urgent and permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages and political prisoners.
The Australian Union movement is a movement of many cultures, communities, nationalities and faiths, we call on all community, civil society organisations and faith groups in Australia to build unity, oppose racism and promote cultural harmony and tolerance throughout their membership.
We condemn the deaths of over 34,000 civilians since 7 October including (1200 Israelis and over 33,000 Palestinians). We condemn the killing of Zomi Frankcom and other aid workers, including those working for Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA partner MA’AN development centre who have been working on emergency relief in Gaza.
The situation facing people in Gaza is dire: two million people are facing food insecurity. Food shortages have exceeded famine levels and mass death is imminent. The ACTU condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war and urges Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice’s Order to take immediate steps to prevent acts of genocide, punish incitement to genocide, and facilitate the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. Israel must immediately provide food and essentials to people in Gaza and ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.
The ACTU welcomes the Australian Government reinstating funding to UNRWA, appointing a special advisor to assess the IDF investigation of the killing of Zomi Frankcom, and calling for a two state solution.
The ACTU is deeply concerned, however, at evidence that Australia companies supply parts used as part of global supply chains, including to F-35 fighter jets. Israel utilises F-35 fighter jets to drop bombs on Gaza. Under international law, Australia has obligations to deny exports that could or would be used to violate humanitarian law and must employ all means to prevent genocide by another state. The Australian Government must take active steps to ensure it is not contributing to breaches of international law.
The ACTU calls on the Australian Government to take immediate steps to secure peace by:
- Using all influence, pressure, and diplomatic measures to achieve a permanent ceasefire.
- Ending all military trade with Israel
- Enacting targeted sanctions on Israeli officials who have called for the denial of aid, and military and civil servants denying essential food and materials to civilians of Gaza.
- Committing additional funding of $100 million in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the West Bank
This latest escalation is part of a decades-long conflict that must be brought to a just outcome through dialogue and respect for international law, including human rights.
The ACTU calls on the Israeli Government and the Palestinian leadership to promote open, tolerant and respectful societies through adherence to democratic principles in governance, respect for human rights and equal treatment for all.
The ACTU calls for an end to the occupation of Palestine and a just and sustainable peace in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. Including the removal of illegal settlements, the withdrawal of Israel from all Palestinian lands along with the dismantling of the separation wall. In line with the ACTU’s commitment to a two-state solution with the security of borders for both nations, we call on all countries to recognise, without delay, Palestine as a sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This will confirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination in a free and independent Palestine.
UPDATE – 8 November, 2023
How many more children?
Federation maintains its condemnation of all forms of attack on civilians by Israel and Hamas.
Federation continues to be horrified by the ongoing killing of civilians in Gaza including more than 4237 children, perpetrated by the state of Israel.
Federation shares the “deep frustration” of UN human rights experts with Israel’s refusal to halt plans to decimate the besieged Gaza strip.
The 2 November statement by UN human rights experts says: “Time is running out to prevent genocide and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza”.
This cannot go on.
It is time for the Albanese government to urgently and publicly support the call by UN human rights experts for an immediate ceasefire, access to humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and the release of all civilians being held captive by either side.
Protest for Gaza: Stop the genocide!
All Wars Are Fought Against Children.