The Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) deplores the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and we condemn the relentless genocidal actions by the Israeli government that has resulted in more than 50,000 deaths, including thousands of women and children. Many thousands more have been maimed, injured, and traumatised and face starvation in the coming days and weeks, as well as ongoing risk of death and injury, unless decisive international action is taken to stop the killing.
As a professional representative organisation rooted in principles of human dignity, justice, and social work ethics, the IASW stands in solidarity with all innocent victims of the violence, including our colleague Social Workers and Health and Social Care Professional in Gaza, targeted as part of the ongoing military action. We welcome the joint statement issued this week by the Governments of Ireland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Malta, and Slovenia, calling for Israel to immediately stop its military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, for urgent humanitarian aid for Palestinians and practical steps to lasting peace. The IASW now joins the calls for:
Immediate End to the Blockade on Humanitarian Aid
We urgently call upon the government of Israel to fully lift the blockade on Gaza and to immediately allow safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian aid to be distributed throughout the Gaza Strip by international humanitarian actors, including UNRWA, in accordance with humanitarian principles. The deliberate obstruction of aid delivery is in violation of international humanitarian law and constitutes collective punishment of the civilian population.
Ceasefire and Release of All Hostages
We call upon all parties to engage in negotiations in good faith towards an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and to ensure the release of all hostages. This includes Israeli captives held in Gaza and the thousands of Palestinian political prisoners and detainees—many of whom are children—currently held in Israeli prisons, without due process and in disregard of the rule of law. The role of international mediators remains critical in these efforts.
Condemnation of Genocidal Actions and Call for Sanctions
We unequivocally condemn the ongoing genocidal actions perpetrated against the Palestinian people by the Israeli government. The deliberate targeting of civilians, the destruction of infrastructure, the denial of basic needs, and the scale of death and displacement constitute egregious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. We call upon the Irish Government and the international community to implement sanctions against the State of Israel and hold its leaders accountable under international law, including through the International Criminal Court.
Protection and Recognition of Palestinian Social Workers and Colleague Professionals
We draw specific attention to the targeted attacks and imprisonment of Palestinian social workers and other health and social care professionals, who are on the frontlines of responding to this humanitarian crisis.
These professionals have faced intimidation, detention, and violence simply for carrying out their ethical duties. We demand their immediate protection, freedom, and recognition.
A Just and Sustainable Peace
We reaffirm our commitment to a just and sustainable peace based on the implementation of the two-State solution, full recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, and adherence to international law. We support the role of the United Nations, the Arab League, and other regional actors in moving toward a viable and lasting resolution of the conflict.
Condemnation of Violence in the West Bank
We strongly condemn the escalation of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, characterised by illegal settlement expansion, settler violence, and intensified military operations. Forced displacement and demographic engineering are in clear breach of international law and must be stopped immediately.
As social workers, we stand united in our commitment to human rights, international justice, and the dignity of all peoples. We call on governments, institutions, and individuals – including our sister international Social Work organisations – to act now to make every effort to stop the devastation now and ensure that the people of Gaza and the broader Palestinian territories are not abandoned to further suffering.
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