The National Distribution Union who represent packing and distribution workers in New Zealand has condemned yesterday’s Israeli air strike on a Lebanese fruit-packing warehouse that killed 33 farm workers.

The Times Online (UK) reported that four missiles from Israeli fighter jets struck a Lebanese fruit-packing warehouse near the Syrian border yesterday, killing at least 33 mainly Kurdish farm workers and wounding a dozen. (www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2299850,00.html)

National Secretary Laila Harré is joining human rights and social justice groups in calling on the New Zealand government to condemn the Israeli Defense Force and to call for an immediate investigation into allegations of Israeli war crimes and breaches of international law.

“On behalf of the 20,000 National Distribution Union workers, I condemn the Israeli attacks on innocent civilians and workers who are overwhelming the victims of Israeli aggression,” she said. “Israel’s attack on innocent farm workers and the continuing bombardment of schools, orphanages, hospitals, civil infrastructure and the destruction of roads and bridges used by fleeing Lebanese refugees and aid workers is appalling and must end immediately.”

Mr Harré said that it is imperative that the Government takes immediate action as the number of Palestine deaths escalate and the Israeli army attacks northern-Lebanon for the first time and prepares to move deeper into Lebanon.

Ms Harré is encouraging union members and New Zealanders to support aid agencies supporting the victims of war and to organise and join protests in support of Palestinian and Lebanese families in New Zealand.

Representatives of the Union will be present at today’s protest called by Students for Justice in Palestine at 1pm at Aotea Square, Auckland.

ENDS