STOCKPORT COUNCILLORS will discuss a motion on the Gaza-Israel conflict at a full council meeting tomorrow (Thursday 11 January). 

The motion emphasises "deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine", and calls for all Stockport Council group leaders to write to Foreign Secretary David Cameron, calling for a permanent ceasefire. 

The motion, forwarded and seconded by Green Party councillors Gary Lawson and James Frizzell respectively, states: "[This council] Condemns the murder of Israeli civilians, the taking of hostages by Hamas and subsequent death and destruction in Gaza. 

"[The council] believes that the urgent priority must be to stop the deaths and suffering of any more civilians in Gaza, Israel and the rest of Palestine."

Addressing the impact of the conflict locally, the motion "condemns the increase in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic violence and abuse", and emphasises that people of all faiths should feel safe in the borough. 

"The tragic recent events in Israel, Gaza and Palestine must not be allowed to divide our communities in Stockport", it says. 

The motion proposes that Stockport Council resolves to provide support to any residents who need assistance as a result of the events in Israel-Gaza.

Most parties in Parliament have now called for a ceasefire. 

• Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called for a 'sustainable ceasefire' in Gaza.
• Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for "an enduring cessation of hostilities and a lasting political solution".
• Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey has emphasised the party's support for "a lasting peace and a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine".
• SNP Leader Humza Yousaf has expressed his strong desire for an 'immediate ceasefire'.
• The Green Party has said it "has called on the UK government to push for an immediate ceasefire to stop the mass killing of civilians in the Israel-Gaza conflict".

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