THE International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) added its voice to calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza yesterday.

It's first lorryload of medical supplies began its journey to Gaza yesterday as part of a trade-union programme to send food and medicines to the troubled area.

Provision of aid is being co-ordinated by the federation’s office in Amman, Jordan, and it has put together the first load which should reach Gaza tomorrow.

The supplies will be handed over to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation, whose support includes running a mobile hospital there.

ITF president Paddy Crumlin said: “The situation in Gaza is desperate.

“There is a need for an immediate ceasefire before even more civilians are killed.

“We strongly echo and support continuing calls by the International Trade Union Confederation for action in line with the UN security council resolution that called for de-escalation of the situation, restoration of calm, reinstitution of the November 2012 ceasefire and respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians.”

He concluded: “We firmly believe that a cessation of hostilities must be followed by renewed international pressure to achieve a long-term solution, including the end of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and a negotiated settlement that respects the 1967 borders between Israel and a Palestinian state.

“It is time that the rights of the Palestinian people are fully recognised in line with UN resolutions.”

In 2009 a similar ITF programme delivered ambulances, food and medicine during Israeli attacks.