Not In My Name
Not In My Name
Cllr Jo Bird says, "Our first thoughts are with the hundreds of innocent victims of the violence in Israel and in Gaza.
People like Rasmi al-Sawarka, 45, Mariam al-Sawarka, 45, Mohammad, Muaz and Waseem who were 12, 7 and 13 and also of the al-Sawarka family. And Shani Louk, 23 and Nathanial Young, 20.
The Greens call for an immediate ceasefire, to end the violence in Israel and Palestine - and the political settlement that must begin with an end to illegal occupation. Israel claims to be a Jewish state. As a Jewish person, I say No. Not in my name does apartheid Israel kill innocent civilians, nor put its own citizens in danger.”
Cllr Pat Cleary, "For the benefit of members of the public and anyone watching online, I’ll read out what our proposed addition to what was read out earlier is. It says Council also requests that group leaders write to the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Husam Zumlot, conveying our heartfelt condolences to all those suffering due to this conflict. Council supports the right of Palestine to exist and protect itself.
Mayor, my thoughts naturally are with the hundreds of innocent victims and their families faced with this devastating and escalating violence. The targeting of innocent civilians is an outrageous breach of international law - it is unacceptable in all circumstances. The recent events in Israel and Gaza, are not just a three day tragedy. This is a 75 year long tragedy. It’s only right therefore that we as a the Council express our sympathy to all innocent victims of violence and their loved ones."
Cllr Harry Gorman says, "I wholeheartedly supported the minute's silence held in part for the victims of the recent violence in the Middle East, at the start of the meeting.
My concern is to only express our sympathy to Israeli victims could give off the impression that we see Palestinian victims of the recent spate of violence, as lesser - though I’m sure that’s unintentional. That’s why I support amending the motion to also express our sympathies for those in Gaza who have lost their lives. We owe the people of Palestine that much."
Cllr Ruth Molyneux says, "Since the year 2000, more than 2,300 children have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers. At least 38 of these have been killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank this year, making it the deadliest so far.
Israel regularly cuts off the water and electricity supplies to Gaza - basically making that area a ghetto. These people have been oppressed for too long. I’m not excusing the violence that’s occurred - it’s awful that innocent people are killed. But we should call for a ceasefire and show solidarity with all people who are oppressed and facing war."