NASUWT acknowledges the initial ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the potential it offers for easing the suffering of civilians on all sides.

While this is a crucial step toward ending the violence, it is imperative that the ceasefire is sustained and leads to long-term peace and security for all affected.

We stand in solidarity with children and teachers in Israel and Palestine and extend our condolences to those who have lost loved ones.

NASUWT urges all parties to respect the terms of the ceasefire and prioritise the safety of civilians.

The immediate and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid must now be a priority to address the ongoing crisis.

The situation in Gaza remains dire: civilians, including children, continue to face immense challenges, with access to food, water, electricity, and medical care severely limited.

NASUWT calls on the UK Government and the international community to intensify efforts to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, support the rebuilding of essential infrastructure, and secure the safety of aid workers.

We are deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the conflict on children. 

Every child has the right to live in safety and security, free from violence and fear. The ceasefire offers an opportunity to begin addressing the needs of the most vulnerable and it must be used to prioritise their welfare.

NASUWT also remains concerned about the broader implications of the crisis, including reports of ongoing settler violence, forced displacement in the West Bank, and the destruction of vital infrastructure.

Accelerated settlement expansion continues to violate international law and further destabilise the region.

The UK Government must:

1. ensure the ceasefire is upheld and advocate for its extension into a long-term peace process;

2. support full funding for UNRWA to provide essential humanitarian aid and relief;

3. work with the international community to uphold international law, hold those responsible for violations accountable, and end the occupation of Palestinian territories;

4. suspend UK arms sales to Israel and halt military-industrial collaboration;

5. recognise the State of Palestine and ensure equal rights for all under international law;

6. ban UK trade in settlement goods and halt trade negotiations with Israel;

7. protect the right to peaceful protest in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

NASUWT deplores the rise in antisemitism, anti-Muslim racism, and all forms of hate and division that have emerged during this crisis.

We reaffirm our solidarity with working people, their families and communities and reject all attempts to sow division.

We remain committed to supporting efforts for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace, grounded in international law, through a two-state solution that guarantees equality, democracy, and respect for human and labour rights.

NASUWT will continue to work with Education International, the TUC, ICTU, STUC, TUCC, and other civil society and humanitarian organisations to ensure that this ceasefire becomes the foundation for lasting peace and justice for all.