The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and the ten leaders of Greater Manchester have joined the international calls for a ceasefire amid the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.
“We are deeply concerned about events in the Middle East and the anguish being experienced by people in Greater Manchester, most acutely in our Jewish and Muslim communities.
“We condemn unreservedly the appalling terror attacks on innocent civilians in Israel by Hamas on 7th October. We recognise that Israel has the right to take targeted action within international law to defend itself against terror attacks and terrorist organisations and to rescue hostages.
“We also have profound concerns about the loss of thousands of innocent lives in Gaza, the displacement of many more and widespread suffering through the ongoing blockade of essential goods and services. It is vital that urgent support and humanitarian aid is allowed into the area.
“Given the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and the ten Leaders of Greater Manchester join the growing international calls for a ceasefire by all sides and for the hostages to be released unharmed.”
The Labour Mayor joins London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar in going against the official party line
A Labour spokesperson said:
“Of course, we understand why people want to call for a ceasefire,” the spokesperson said. “The Palestinian people are not Hamas, and they are suffering terribly. That’s why we support humanitarian pauses so that aid, fuel, water, electricity and medicines can urgently get to those who need it. We also have to recognize Israel was subject to a vile terrorist attack. Israel has a right and a duty to defend itself, rescue the hostages and stop Hamas from being able to carry out that sort of terrorist attack ever again.”
The interventions came as Israel mounted a second ground raid into Gaza this morning, ahead of their still-expected invasion
