AN IMPASSIONED call is being made across the district for an immediate end to violence in Gaza.
The leader of Warwick District Council is set to write to local MPs to draw their attention to the humanitarian crisis and demand action.
It follows concerns from residents and weekly vigils in towns across the district.
A motion was put forward by Coun Sam Jones and seconded by Coun Richard Dickson calling for action to be taken to demand an immediate end to violence in Gaza and the West Bank and for unrestricted access to be given to the UN agencies to provide humanitarian aid.
Coun Ian Davison will now write to local MPs to draw their attention to the calls by residents, community groups and Warwick University’s Student Staff Solidarity Network and campus trade unions demanding they take all actions available to them to manifest an immediate end to violence in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, unrestricted humanitarian access by UN agencies and a full lifting of the blockade, and the recognition of the State of Palestine by the UK Government.
Kenilworth and Southam MP Jeremy Wright said: “Throughout this conflict, most of us have agonised about what more may be done to end it. All of us surely want to see the destruction in Gaza stop and Israeli hostages returned. The United Kingdom cannot of course impose a solution, but the government has in my view been right to criticise Israel’s approach to humanitarian aid and to sanction individuals.
“I have reached the conclusion that UK recognition of the state of Palestine should happen now, preferably in conjunction with other countries and preferably in combination with the recognition of Israel by other countries who have been reluctant to offer it, so that we can reinforce the Two State Solution by reinforcing both states involved. I believe the recognition of the state of Palestine is now a step the UK can and should take to help preserve the Two State Solution, which is in serious jeopardy, and I would support the government if it chooses to take that step.”
Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western added: “The scenes in Gaza are beyond appalling with children who are so starving, they are just skin and bones, people being shot at as they attempt to access the aid they so badly need.
“The recognition of Palestine will not solve this overnight, but it will bring us closer to a two-state solution which is the only viable solution for peace in the region.
“The priority in the coming days and weeks must be the immediate focus on getting aid into Gaza and huge amounts of it. I will continue to make these calls.’
