Motion submitted by Councillor Holt.
“This Council:
· Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. To those in Eastbourne 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, killing tens of thousands of Palestinians.
· 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 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 Eastbourne.
· Condemns the increase in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic violence and abuse in the UK and that all forms of racism have no place in Eastbourne.
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. Ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to call on the UK Government:
a) 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.
b) to do all in its powers to support those that are committed to a permanent peace and a 2-state solution.”
Minutes:
Councillor Holt moved and Councillor Ballard seconded the motion in relation to Gaza as set out on the agenda.
The public speaker, Mr Martin Smith of the Eastbourne Palestine Solidarity Campaign, spoke in relation to the proposals.
In moving the motion Councillor Holt explained that the motion had been brought to show the Council’s support for the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, and in particular to explore how the Council can encourage communities to come together, and to support those affected by the conflict in the Eastbourne area.
The motion was debated by the Council. The proposals to better support and facilitate events for people of all faiths and none, and offer support to any local resident who needs our assistance as a result of these violent events, was supported across the Council. However, some Councillors indicated that they could not support the call on Government for the end to the conflict and whether it should be the subject of an Eastbourne Council motion.
The motion was put to a vote and carried.
RESOLVED (By 17 votes for, 0 against, 7 abstentions) –
This Council:
· Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. To those in Eastbourne 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, killing tens of thousands of Palestinians.
· 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 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 Eastbourne.
· Condemns the increase in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic violence and abuse in the UK and that all forms of racism have no place in Eastbourne.
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. Ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to call on the UK Government:
a) to press all parties to agree:
1. To an urgent permanent, bilateral 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 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.
b) to do all in its powers to support those that are committed to a permanent peace and a 2-state solution.”