Norway’s Largest Union Approves Boycott of Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
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The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO), the country’s most influential labor organization, has taken a decisive stance by approving a sweeping economic boycott against Israel. This decision, which reflects a strong expression of solidarity with Palestine, was made during LO’s national congress held in Oslo from May 8 to 9. With an overwhelming 88 percent of delegates voting in favor, the resolution signals a significant shift in European labor perspectives concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
A Resounding Vote for Boycott
The Palestine Committee of Norway announced that the motion to boycott Israel received 240 votes in favor and 69 against. The resolution demands that the Norwegian State Pension Fund, along with domestic companies and financial institutions, cease any financial engagements with Israeli businesses or entities linked to the regime. This bold move aligns with the union’s long-standing commitment to ethical investment practices and international law.
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Strong Reactions and International Support
The Palestinian group Hamas praised the decision, calling it a courageous step that aligns with justice and represents a victory for Palestinian rights. In an official statement, Hamas urged other global labor organizations to adopt similar measures to isolate what it described as a ‘fascist entity’ and to highlight ongoing human rights violations.
Steinar Krogstad, LO’s deputy leader, emphasized that the union’s stance reflects growing global concern over Israel’s actions, particularly its military engagements in Gaza and the West Bank. He reiterated that LO’s principles dictate avoiding investments in companies that violate international law, and recent developments in Gaza have brought this issue to the forefront.
Urging Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund to Act
One of the key targets of this resolution is Norway’s $1.8 trillion sovereign wealth fund, one of the world’s largest. The LO, in conjunction with 47 other civil society organizations, has formally requested Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg to reassess the fund’s investment strategies to ensure they do not support entities involved in violating international law.
The sovereign wealth fund, known for its commitment to ethical investment, previously divested from Bezeq, Israel’s largest telecommunications company, due to its operations in West Bank settlements. The union’s latest resolution further underscores the call for ethical scrutiny in investment decisions.
A Broader European Trend
The LO’s action follows a broader trend among European financial institutions rethinking their ties with companies linked to Israeli settlements. Recently, Storebrand Asset Management, a prominent Norwegian investor, withdrew from Palantir Technologies over concerns related to its work in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The International Legal Perspective
The push for divestment gained momentum after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled last year that Israel’s continued occupation and settlement expansion in Palestinian areas are illegal, calling for their immediate cessation. This ruling has increased pressure on global financial bodies to reconsider their investment portfolios.
LO’s boycott initiative is viewed as part of a growing movement within Europe to hold companies accountable for their involvement in conflict zones. As debates on ethical investments continue to intensify, the union’s stance may influence similar actions by other labor groups worldwide.
Cet article a été publié à l’origine sur : presstv
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