Unions Urge U.S. to Recognize Palestine and End Israeli Violence

Union Coalition Presses for U.S. Recognition of Palestinian Sovereignty

Two prominent U.S. unions, National Nurses United (NNU) and the United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America (UE), representing over 250,000 members collectively, have urged President Trump to take significant diplomatic action. In a letter sent today, the unions called for the U.S. to recognize the sovereignty of Palestine and demanded an end to Israeli military operations and blockades in Palestinian territories.

The letter highlights a report by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, which accuses Israel of committing acts that amount to genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The unions stressed the need for the U.S. to act swiftly to halt the ongoing violence and humanitarian crises affecting Palestinians.

Condemning the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas as atrocious, the unions also described Israel’s subsequent actions—punishing millions of Palestinians and destroying Gaza over two years—as crimes against humanity. According to the letter, over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, including nearly 20,000 children, since October 2023. Additionally, 1.9 million have been displaced, with many more severely injured or losing family members. The casualties include numerous union members, such as hundreds of healthcare workers, media professionals, engineers, and civil servants.

The unions concluded their appeal with several demands for the U.S. government. These include halting military aid to Israel, ensuring an immediate and lasting ceasefire to stop the killing and starvation of Palestinian civilians, securing the safe return of hostages in Gaza and political prisoners in Israel, and formally recognizing the sovereignty and self-determination rights of the Palestinian people.

National Nurses United, with over 225,000 members, is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association for registered nurses in the U.S. Its affiliates include the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.

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