Brussels – 2 December 2025
The Arab trade union movement, represented by Waseem Rifi, participated in an event organized by the SOLIDAR Network inside the European Parliament under the title:
“Standing with Palestine: Trade, Occupation, and the Struggle for Dignity.”
The event, hosted by the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), coincided with the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
Comprehensive Legal and Political Discussion on Occupation, Trade, and the Role of Civil Society
The sessions highlighted the growing risks associated with maintaining trade and investment relations with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. They drew upon recent UN reports, including that of the UN Special Rapporteur, Francesca Albanese, titled “From the Economy of Occupation to the Economy of Eradication,” along with several studies published by international human rights organizations.
Speakers emphasized that the continuing flow of European investments into the settlements directly contributes to entrenching the occupation and denying the Palestinian people their fundamental rights.
In his intervention, Waseem Rifi, representing the Arab Trade Union Confederation, reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to defending the rights of Palestinian workers—particularly in light of the growing violations they face. He underscored that Palestinian trade unions and civil society organizations remain essential pillars for preserving hope and safeguarding human dignity.
Rifi further stressed that the reconstruction of Gaza in the coming phase must be guided by a fair and participatory approach grounded in social protection, community consultations, good governance, and social dialogue. He emphasized the necessity of involving Palestinian trade unions in planning, overseeing, and monitoring all reconstruction efforts.
Opening Remarks and Key Contributions The event opened with a speech by MEP Evin Incir, followed by remarks from Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).
Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Amal Jad Shakka, Ambassador of Palestine to the EU, Belgium, and Luxembourg, delivered a keynote address outlining the current humanitarian and political situation.
Experts from Human Rights Watch, independent researchers, officials from the City of Barcelona, and representatives of Palestinian, Israeli, and international organizations working in human rights and development also participated in the discussions.
The event concluded with a set of clear recommendations aimed at strengthening the joint efforts of European, Arab, and Palestinian trade unions to:
• End all forms of economic support for illegal Israeli settlements
• Protect the rights of Palestinian workers under occupation
• Support the reconstruction of Gaza based on the principles of social justice and human rights
• Advocate for the implementation of the historic advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in July 2024, affirming the illegality of the occupation
The Arab Trade Union Confederation (ATUC) affirmed that its participation reflects its ongoing commitment to defending the rights of the Palestinian people, promoting joint trade union action, and contributing to all international efforts aimed at ending the occupation and achieving a just peace rooted in dignity and justice.
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