TUI and IFUT condemn recent attacks on schools and playgrounds in Gaza

By piofficer, Monday, 18th August 2014 | 0 comments

The Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) condemn the recent attacks by the Israeli Army on schools, playgrounds, hospitals and higher education institutions in Gaza. There can be no justification for the killing of innocent civilians, very many of them children.

It is clear that unconscionable deviations from recognised codes of conduct in armed conflict are occurring. Fundamental principles are being breached by the armed forces of a State which prides itself on being a democracy and an upholder of civilised standards.

For IFUT and TUI there are no circumstances which justify the killing of children in playgrounds and on beaches. There can be no justification for attacking schools being used as a safe haven by civilians who have been forced to flee their homes.

It has always been the case that hospitals, schools and children’s playgrounds were regarded by civilised forces as being off-limits for attack. It is horrifying to witness such terrible attacks now being conducted with appalling regularity.

As our own painful recent history has taught us, conflicts such as this cannot be solved by military means. A just and lasting peace that serves the interests of all can only be achieved by political means. Moreover, if you seek to justify the killing of innocent civilians on the basis that they were in the vicinity of those you regard as “terrorists”, then not only do you lose the legitimacy to differentiate yourself morally and ethically from the “terrorists” but you will, inevitably, engender even greater animosity, particularly among the young, and thereby prolong and extend the conflict.

Our simple assertion is that regardless of what “side you are on”, attacking, hospitals, schools, colleges and playgrounds is unacceptable and must be condemned.

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