BASW & SWU statement on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank

Joint response from The British Association of Social Workers and The Social Workers Union

BASW and SWU are horrified by the deaths of civilian victims and the terrible and worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We condemn the Israeli government’s ongoing genocidal military action that continues to escalate. We cannot be silent about this. As social workers, we are individually and collectively committed to promoting human rights for all peoples, speaking  out against injustice and violence, and calling for peace building. 

The relentless military action by the Israeli government has killed more than 50,000 people – the greatest proportion being women and children – and injured, disabled and traumatised thousands more.  The mass killing, systematic destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure, and unconscionable blockade of humanitarian supplies must end and the UK government must act to help end this crisis. 

The International Criminal Court in the Hague ruled in November 2024 that Palestinians in Gaza are being subjected to crimes against humanity.  This includes the use of starvation as method of war, the illegal obstruction of aid and collective punishment of civilians.  In March 2025, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories reported that Palestinians are suffering genocide in Gaza. This conclusion reflects the position of many governments and international human rights organisations.

We deplore also the escalating violence by illegal settlers and Israeli government forces in the West Bank and the ongoing illegal displacement of Palestinian civilians from their lands and homes. This is further evidence of the internationally illegal systemic discrimination and racism against Palestinians pursued by the current Israeli government.   

We stand in solidarity with social work and other health and care professionals in Gaza and other Palestinian territories who are continuing to work under the most severe and inhumane duress. We recognise the importance of Israeli social workers joining in the international social work call for peace and equal human rights for Palestinians and we wish courage to those standing up against the Israeli government’s military onslaught.

SWU has reaffirmed its commitment and affiliation to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign with unanimously passed motion at the GFTU’s Biennial General Council Meeting 2025 conference. SWU has specifically asked in the motion to call on the British government to end their complicity in the genocide of the Palestinian people.

BASW and SWU jointly: 

Call for the immediate lifting of the blockade on Gaza by the Israeli government and the full, safe passage of humanitarian aid by international humanitarian organisations.

Acknowledge the positive step taken by the UK Government in signing the “Joint donor statement on humanitarian aid to Gaza” statement and issuing a “Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank”. 

Call on the UK government to back its stated opposition to the ‘intolerable’ humanitarian crisis in Gaza with actions including: 

  • an immediate end to arms sales to Israel
  • trade sanctions to put political pressure on Israel to end the occupation
  • effective multilateral political actions to secure a permanent ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages
  • fully recognising Palestinian rights including the right to self-determination and the right to return to their homes
  • introduction of a visa scheme for Palestinians fleeing war who have family in the UK in the same way the UK Government introduced the Ukraine Family Scheme for relatives of British citizens or settled individuals fleeing the war in Ukraine
  • voicing support for and assistance to Palestinian social workers and health and care workers, and Israeli social workers speaking out for equal rights for Palestinians

This is an update on prior joint statements from BASW and SWU:

Petition

All UK-based health, aid, and social care workers are invited to sign this petition urging the UK Government to:

  • Guarantee the continuous delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza under international oversight;
  • Enact an immediate and total embargo on arms sales and military collaboration with Israel;
  • Advocate for an immediate, durable, and internationally monitored ceasefire.

The link to the petition is here: https://www.change.org/p/support-un-supervised-aid-and-ceasefire-in-gaza

Further resources are available here: 

International work

International Work

BASW represents the UK on the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW). Find out more about our work internationally.

Social Work in Disasters

BASW England looks to raise awareness, but also formalise, the important role social workers play in disaster recovery