A call has gone out from the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) for urgent action to be taken to stop attacks by Israeli settlers and military forces in the West Bank. Addressed to the Palestinian Authority, the European Union, human rights organizations and environmental protection bodies, the call by the PGFTU draws attention to the attacks taking place almost daily against Palestinian civilians across the occupied West Bank. Most recently, such attacks have taken place in neighbourhoods like Burin, south of Nablus and Al-Twani, near Hebron. The PGFTU condemned the "silence of the Arab and other states about Israeli crimes and settlers' violations in the occupied Palestinian territories."

The Secretary General of the PGFTU, Shaher Saad, also pointed out that the Israeli occupation authorities have notified the people in Burin about the demolition of a mosque as well as a number of residential facilities and warehouses.

"This is evidence that the Israelis are not serious about peace," said Mr. Saad. "It is a blatant attack on freedom and a clear violation of international human rights."

Shaher Saad called on Palestinian citizens and workers not to leave their lands. "Do not respond to the dictates of the occupation and the illegal settlers on our soil." He also insisted on the need for the intervention of all concerned institutions and states due to the abuses by settlers and the Israeli military which are widespread across the West Bank.