By Nur Asena Erturk
ANKARA (AA) – Trade unions in Belgium urged members on Tuesday not to handle weapon shipments destined for Israel amid its conflict with Palestine.
The unions said in a statement that "a genocide" was underway in Palestine.
They urged ground handling workers in airports not to handle deliveries of weapons destined for the conflict zone.
The unions demanded an immediate cease-fire in the Middle East and demanded that the Belgian government not allow arms transit through airports.
The trade unions expressed solidarity with those who advocate peace in the Middle East.
The Israeli army has expanded its air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the Palestinian group, Hamas, launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
The Israeli attacks have claimed 8,525 lives in the Gaza Strip, the Health Ministry in the blockaded enclave said Tuesday.
More than 1,538 Israelis have been killed in the conflict.