British Trade Unions launch Anti-Israeli boycott & campaign

The British Trade Union Congress (TUC) is leading a sanctions campaign against Israeli-made goods, and is asking the British government to "condemn Israeli military aggression and its continuing blockade of Gaza."

The TUC is also asking the British government to stop selling arms to Israel. TUC says that last year's arms sales were worth almost £19 million. TUC's General Secretary, Brendan Barber said

"Earlier this year, the TUC condemned the Israeli offensive in Gaza. And we reiterate that condemnation in the statement today. It led to many, many deaths and intolerable suffering. We also reiterate our condemnation of the rocket attacks from inside Gaza against Israeli civilians. We welcome the findings of the UN investigation which highlighted possible war crimes on both sides. The TUC remains concerned about the situation in Gaza and reiterates its opposition to the Israeli blockade, which is in contravention of international law and prevents vital supplies from reaching the people of Gaza."

The decision by the union was ratified late Thursday, and Barber said it was not an easy decision. TUC wants to see a consumer-led boycott against Israeli goods that are made in the illegal settlements. The ultimate goal for the actions, said Barber, was to have Israel

"... end the occupation, dismantle the separation wall and removal illegal settlements. We believe that targeted action - aimed at goods from the illegal settlements and at companies involved in the occupation and the wall - is the right way forward."

TUC is also calling for a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This agreement is a trade deal that aims to

"...gradually integrate Israel into European policies and programmes."

Israel responded by saying the boycott and campaign were a "slap in the face." An unnamed spokesman for Israel's U.K. embassy said TUC ought to

"... hang its head in shame. Any boycott will inflict harm and hardship on workers throughout Israel, both Jew and Arab alike. Boycotts would not promote progress or understanding, but would be a slap in the face to all those who sincerely campaign for peace."

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman told press that "the British trade unions stance was not new" and that "the decision will not affect the volume of trade exchange between Israeli and Britain." The Palestinian National Authority said that it will boycott Israeli goods originating in the settlements as of next week. The boycott and campaign result from lobbying carried out by the British-based Palestine Solidarity Campaign. The Trade Union Congress has 6.5 million members and is a coalition of 60 different unions. Britain's academics have already enacted a campaign against Israel that is now several years old. The United States overwhelmingly condemned that boycott, saying it was a

"... dangerous assault on the principles of academic freedom and open exchange that contributes to the legitimization and demonization of the state of Israel."

The United Nations recently concluded an investigation into a military offensive launched by Israel in the Gaza strip in December 2008 - January 2009. Israel has been found to be guilty of having committed war crimes and crimes against humanity for its actions during that offensive. The Palestinian group, Hamas, was also found to have committed war crimes during that offensive. Israel refused to co-operate with the investigation and now refutes the findings, saying the U.N. report is "nauseating" and a "victory for terrorism." Israel has launched a campaign of its own Wednesday to try to circumvent officials being tried in the International Criminal Court.