TUC motion opposing annexation criticised amid UAE peace deal

A trade union motion reaffirming opposition to any Israeli annexation of the West Bank has been criticised by pro-Israel groups who say recent developments mean that option is now off the table.

It follows a motion put forward on Tuesday by Unite the Union and voted for by a majority of delegates at the annual meeting of the Trade Union Congress.

The TUC statement reads: “We will continue to oppose the annexation of the West Bank by the Israeli government, which would violate international law, as does the current occupation, which violates Palestinians’ human and worker rights.”

Luke Akehurst of We Believe in Israel said it “focuses excessively on [annexation] proposals from earlier this year which are no longer being actively pursued following the Israeli peace deal with the UAE”.

He added: “With its odd focus on a proposal that is off the agenda, and no mention of the key recent development, the statement reads as though the TUC does not follow events in the region very closely.”

Zionist Federation chairman Paul Charney said Unite “chose to prioritise its obsession with Israel” over and above the concerns of workers affected by Covid-19.

“As if it wasn’t embarrassing enough that Unite submitted a motion condemning something that has now been shelved for more than one month.”