This Council:
Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. To those in the Exeter area who have been affected by this conflict we offer our support in this difficult time.
Condemns the murder of Israeli civilians, the taking of hostages by Hamas and subsequent death and destruction in Gaza. 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.
Hopes for an immediate further release of all hostages and release of Palestinian prisoners held without charge and an immediate permanent ceasefire to allow more aid and the possibility of a peaceful resolution.
Believes the tragic recent events in Israel, Gaza and Palestine must not be allowed to divide our communities in Exeter.
Believes Jews, Muslims and people of all faiths and none should feel safe in our city.
Condemns the increase in anti-Semitic and Islamophobia violence and abuse in the UK and believes all forms of racism have no place in our city.
The Council resolves to:
(i) explore how the Council can better support and facilitate events for people of all faiths and none, where they can come together and express solidarity and sadness in response to these events.
(ii) offer appropriate support to any local resident who needs our assistance as a result of these violent events.
(iii) stand ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by these events.
The Council also calls on the UK Government to press all parties to agree:
(i) to an urgent permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Israel and the rest of Palestine and to make every effort to resume the peace process;
(ii) to guarantee that international humanitarian law is upheld and that civilians are protected in accordance with those laws;
(iii) to ensure that civilians have access to humanitarian support, including unfettered access of medical supplies, food, electricity, other fuel and water.
The Council requests the Chief Executive of the Council to submit this motion to the UK Government.
Minutes:
Councillor Read, seconded by Councillor Rees, moved a Notice of Motion in the following terms:-
She expressed deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine and offered support to those in the Exeter area who had been affected by this conflict.
The Council:-
Condemns the murder of Israeli civilians, the taking of hostages by Hamas and subsequent death and destruction in Gaza. 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.
Hopes for an immediate further release of all hostages and release of Palestinian prisoners held without charge and an immediate permanent ceasefire to allow more aid and the possibility of a peaceful resolution.
Believes the tragic recent events in Israel, Gaza and Palestine must not be allowed to divide our communities in Exeter.
Believes Jews, Muslims and people of all faiths and none should feel safe in our city.
Condemns the increase in anti-Semitic and Islamophobia violence and abuse in the UK and believes all forms of racism have no place in our city.
The Council resolves to:
(1) explore how the Council can better support and facilitate events for people of all faiths and none, where they can come together and express solidarity and sadness in response to these events.
(2) offer appropriate support to any local resident who needs our assistance as a result of these violent events.
(3) stand ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by these events.
The Council also calls on the UK Government to press all parties to agree:
(1) to an urgent permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Israel and the rest of Palestine and to make every effort to resume the peace process;
(2) to guarantee that international humanitarian law is upheld and that civilians are protected in accordance with those laws;
(3) to ensure that civilians have access to humanitarian support, including unfettered access of medical supplies, food, electricity, other fuel and water.
The Council requests the Chief Executive of the Council to submit this motion to the UK Government.
In presenting her Motion, Councillor Read, highlighted that emotions were running high and the suffering was beyond imagining. The taking of Israeli hostages followed by the mass killing of innocent people and the unprecedented levels of destruction seen in Gaza were completely unacceptable to witness. She hoped that there would be an end to the terrible scenes seen daily and to ensure that the remaining hostages would be returned safely with a call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Ending the violence would create a space for an international arbitrary settlement for the Israeli and Palestinian citizens to ensure their rights, safety and security were protected.
Councillor Vizard who had previously discussed the matter with Councillor Read moved and Councillor Parkhouse seconded the following amendment:-
To add to the section “The Council also calls on the UK Government to press all parties to agree:” point (1):
“To an immediate further release of all hostages and Palestinian prisoners held without charge, and…”
So it now reads: “(1) To an immediate further release of all hostages and Palestinian prisoners held without charge, and an urgent permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Israel and the rest of Palestine and to make every effort to resume the peace process”
The amendment was voted on and CARRIED.
Members made the following comments:-
· the conflict had resulted in over 18,000 people killed and 2 million people had been displaced with over 70,00 children injured. The World Health Organisation in Gaza had referred to the catastrophe as a hell on earth. Save the Children in Gaza and Israel were working to help the children caught up in the conflict. It was important to understand what could be done to help to bring peace back with a permanent ceasefire needed;
· the level of displaced people numbered at 3.2 million, representing 80% of the population with 40% being children;
· it was important for people to see the support of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign;
· a Member suggested that the Council as a political body and internal power could have an effect in countering any hatred or division and reaffirm the Council’s 2040 vision of an inclusive city for all of Exeter’s residents;
· a Member was horrified by the attacks on 7 October and the reports of sexual violence being used as a weapon of war. She had attended a vigil for 250 healthcare workers and had heard the stories of those in Gaza and the West Bank who had suffered;
· there were concerns that the hatred could escalate and an immediate ceasefire should be in place;
· of the reflections from Members and the wider public since the 7 October attacks which had left many feeling helpless and the Motion would provide support to communities; and
· Members were elected leaders in the community who had a responsibility to their communities and should support the Motion.
Councillor Rees in seconding the Motion, made the following points:-
· she endorsed the heartfelt comments from all parties;
· the conditions in Gaza were very bad and the relief operations were no longer tenable and an immediate ceasefire was needed; and
· she also shared the deep concerns and grief experienced by residents and urged as elected members to do all that they could to support and bring an end to the fighting.
Councillor Read, in concluding, commended the motion and welcomed the views of those Members who had spoken. She reflected on the role of the UK and US Governments in calling for a permanent ceasefire. the Motion would send a message of the Council’s support in calling for a ceasefire. She urged Members to vote in support for this Motion.
The Notice of Motion was put to the vote and CARRIED.