The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) has expressed its disapproval of the ongoing attacks perpetrated by Israel’s Defence Forces in Gaza, and has decried the slow progress made in efforts to bring Israel and Hamas to the negotiating table.

The union’s national working committee (NWC) held an ordinary monthly meeting last week, to deliberate on a variety of issues including the war in Gaza.

Sadtu has criticized the United Nations and world leaders for an inability to respond adequately to the crisis.

Further, the union has highlighted the plight of vulnerable women and children and has called for humanitarian assistance, particularly in raising money to support education initiatives such as ‘Education Cannot Wait’ in Gaza. 

“The bombardment of schools, hospitals, ambulances, and humanitarian agencies by Israel is redefining international laws. The killing of more than 10 000 civilians, which includes 5 000 children, is genocide. The murdering of unarmed, defenseless civilians and blocking access to humanitarian relief is genocide. Killing new-born babies in hospital wards cannot be justified. All lives matter and the NWC is calling for immediate ceasefire to allow genuine negotiations and humanitarian interventions,” said Sadtu general-secretary Mugwena Maluleke.

He accused the international community of double standards on the education situation in Gaza. He argued that the education and health of children in Gaza had not received the same attention as in similar situations.

Maluleke also emphasised the need for medical supplies, education services and other essential services in Gaza and urged the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the African Union to lead humanitarian efforts on behalf of workers in the country and on the continent.

“Sadtu stands with humanity, equality, and justice everywhere. We call upon all peace-loving people of the world to choose justice. We make this clarion call to human rights organisations to stand in solidarity against ethnic cleansing and genocide in Gaza,” Maluleke said.

The union has also condemned the targeting of employees and students that pledge their solidarity with Palestine, calling for the education system to respect the Constitution.