The Official Opposition at the Northern Ireland Assembly will lead a debate calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and southern Israel this week. It is the first time the Assembly has been given an opportunity to make a united call for peace since the outbreak of conflict in October 2023.
The SDLP motion:
- Condemns violence committed by Israel and Hamas;
- Calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages;
- Rejects any ground assault on Rafah;
- Affirms support for a two-state solution and the recognition of Palestine as a state;
- Calls for an end to the sale or transfer of weapons to Israel while the genocide continues;
- Mandates the First and deputy First Ministers to write to the UK Prime Minister in support of these aims.
Speaking ahead of the debate in the Assembly tomorrow, SDLP Opposition Leader Matthew O’Toole MLA said:
“It has been seven months since the initial scenes of violence in Gaza and Southern Israel were first beamed across the world. In that time, we have all been horrified by the depths to which human depravity has plunged. Abductions, torture, the murder of innocent men, women and children, the obliteration of entire families and communities has all become chillingly commonplace.
“This is a genocide of unbearable proportions, which for too long has been armed and abetted by countries who say they care about human rights. As a society that found the strength to say no to vengeful violence and that now enjoys a fragile peace, we have a responsibility to speak up and speak out about the horror of conflict.
“The SDLP Opposition has tabled a ceasefire motion in the Assembly this week. We sincerely hope that it can be a moment for our society to unite behind a call for peace.”
ENDS
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