Councillors have voiced their support for victims of the war in Gaza and calls for an immediate ceasefire.

A motion put forward by Councillor Sandra Reynolds and backed by Councillor Pam Armstrong was agreed at a full council meeting on Thursday 7 December 2023.

It calls for the council to put on record its unequivocal condemnation of the conflict in the Middle East.

The motion also called for the urgent release of all hostages and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow vital supplies of food, fuel, medicine and water to reach civilians.

It was also agreed that the council calls on the UK Government to uphold international law and protect all civilians in Israel and Palestine and join with the international community in pressing for a ceasefire.

Councillor Reynolds said: “The images of death and destruction we are witnessing are truly horrific and it is important to put on record our support for the innocent people caught up in this war.

“It’s also important all governments, councils, organisations, and individuals make their voices heard and unite in calling for an end to this barbaric conflict.

“We may be thousands of miles away, but the people of Inverclyde care and we send our love and prayers to the people of Gaza.”

The motion was agreed by the majority of councillors following a vote.

Councillor Armstrong said: “My heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones as a result of this horrendous conflict and to all other innocent civilians caught up in it.

“An immediate ceasefire is needed to ensure these innocent people receive the basic supplies they need to survive.

“We stand with the people of Gaza and I am pleased this council is formally lending its support to those caught up in this awful war and adding its voice to the growing list of voices calling for an immediate end to the fighting.”

The full text of the motion is as follows:

Gaza – Israel Conflict Motion

Council is asked to follow the lead of the Scottish Government, the Irish Teoiseach, organisations of all faiths and none in:

unequivocally condemning the horrific killings by Hamas and the taking of hostages;

reaffirming that there must be an end to the collective punishment of the Palestinian people;

calling for the urgent release of all hostages and an end to the siege of Gaza to allow vital supplies of food, fuel, medicine and water to reach the civilian people;

noting the growing calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire from the United Nations and its aid agencies;

and therefore calling on the UK Government to uphold international law and protect all civilians in Israel and Palestine and to join with the international community in urgently pressing all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire.

Proposed by: Councillor Sandra Reynolds

Seconded by: Councillor Pam Armstrong

A recording of the meeting of Inverclyde Council on Thursday 7 December 2023 is available on the council’s YouTube channel and the full agenda and reports are available on the council website.