Agenda item

This Council:

·         Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. To those in the Borough of Stockport 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 Stockport.

·         Believes Jews, Muslims and people of all faiths and none should feel safe in our Borough.

·         Condemns the increase in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic violence and abuse in the UK and believes all forms of racism have no place in our Borough.

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 resolves to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to call 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 to medical supplies, food, electricity, other fuel and water.

Moved by:                  Councillor Gary Lawson

Seconded by:           Councillor James Frizzell

In accordance with the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 14.7 (Alteration of Motion) at the request of the mover of the motion the Council Meeting gave its consent to the alteration of the motion as tabled to incorporate an alteration which had been published and circulated in advance of the meeting.

MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council:

·         Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. To those in the Borough of Stockport 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 Stockport.

·         Believes Jews, Muslims and people of all faiths and none should feel safe in our Borough.

·         Condemns the increase in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic violence and abuse in the UK and believes all forms of racism have no place in our Borough.

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 resolves to ask all Group Leaders to write to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to call 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 to medical supplies, food, electricity, other fuel and water.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council:

·         Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. To those in the Borough of Stockport 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.

·         Condemns the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October and on female hostages still held in captivity

·         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 that the only credible basis for long-term peace is the delivery of a Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.

·         Believes the tragic recent events in Israel, Gaza and Palestine must not be allowed to divide our communities in Stockport.

·         Believes Jews, Muslims and people of all faiths and none should feel safe in our Borough.

·         Condemns the increase in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic violence and abuse in the UK and believes all forms of racism have no place in our Borough.

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 resolves to ask all Group Leaders to write to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to call on the UK Government to press all parties to agree:

(i)         to an urgent permanent, bilateral 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 allow the Red Cross immediate access to hostages in Gaza, in order to provide urgent medical aid to the elderly, the sick and the wounded and to ensure all civilians have access to humanitarian support, including unfettered access to medical supplies, food, electricity, other fuel and water.

(iv)       Calls on the UK Government to do all in its powers to support those that are committed to a permanent peace and a 2-state solution.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

The motion, as amended, was then put as the substantive motion and it was

RESOLVED - This Council:

·         Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. To those in the Borough of Stockport 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.

·         Condemns the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October and on female hostages still held in captivity

·         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 that the only credible basis for long-term peace is the delivery of a Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.

·         Believes the tragic recent events in Israel, Gaza and Palestine must not be allowed to divide our communities in Stockport.

·         Believes Jews, Muslims and people of all faiths and none should feel safe in our Borough.

·         Condemns the increase in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic violence and abuse in the UK and believes all forms of racism have no place in our Borough.

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 resolves to ask all Group Leaders to write to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to call on the UK Government to press all parties to agree:

(i)         to an urgent permanent, bilateral 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 allow the Red Cross immediate access to hostages in Gaza, in order to provide urgent medical aid to the elderly, the sick and the wounded and to ensure all civilians have access to humanitarian support, including unfettered access to medical supplies, food, electricity, other fuel and water.

(iv)       Calls on the UK Government to do all in its powers to support those that are committed to a permanent peace and a 2-state solution.