Fórsa’s General Secretary Kevin Callinan has recently returned from Palestine as part of a delegation from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). 

The delegation also included Vice-President of ICTU  Phil Ní Sheaghdha, Executive Council member Patricia McKeown, and Assistant General Secretary Gerry Murphy.

This mission marked the first high-level visit by the ICTU to Palestine since 2007. Throughout their five-day trip, the delegation held meetings with Palestinian government representatives, trade union leaders, and non-governmental organisations in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv.

They also visited hospitals, educational facilities, and the Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem. Unfortunately, they were unable to visit Gaza and the trip to Nablus was cancelled due to settler violence. Additionally, they met with the staff of the Representative Office of Ireland in Palestine, led by Don Sexton, and the Irish Ambassador to Israel, Kyle O'Sullivan.

Upon their return to Dublin, Kevin expressed concern about the accelerating growth of illegal Israeli settlements, which he deemed a violation of the Oslo Accords. The delegation also witnessed the eight-meter-high separation wall in the West Bank, which encroaches on Palestinian land in violation of peace agreements.

He also highlighted the need for Ireland to recognise the Palestinian state:

“All our delegates returned with concerns over just how these conditions continue to affect the people of Palestine and especially their children. If Ireland was to recognise the Palestinian state it would provide support and encouragement to its people who feel betrayed and isolated by the international community.

“Hope is scarce in Palestine, and we must play our part in increasing pressure on Israel to end the blatant violation of human rights. Israel must be held to account for its actions, and the ongoing refusal to abide by international law.”

ICTU is seeking an urgent meeting with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to discuss their findings, anticipating the Tánaiste's upcoming visit to the region.

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