Reacting to news that the UN Security Council has called for
an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, without the US using its veto to
block the resolution, co-leader of the Green Party , said:
“The Green Party has been calling for a ceasefire since last
October, so this vote is hugely welcome if long overdue. With
Israel’s greatest ally the United States abstaining, the
Netanyahu regime is more isolated than ever – and rightly so.
“This Security Council resolution comes too late for hundreds of
thousands of people who have seen their families and friends
killed, maimed, or seriously injured and their homes, hospitals
and schools destroyed. Nonetheless, it ramps up
international pressure on Israel to end its deadly assault on
Gaza.
“However, Netanyahu is not listening – the attacks continue. The
UK government must now further pressurise the Netanyahu regime by
immediately suspending export licenses for arms to
Israel. The Green Party also calls for further leverage
through boycotts, divestment and sanctions. This means
withdrawing all public money from funds with investments in
Israel and suspending beneficial trade arrangements with the
country.
“Only a full bilateral ceasefire and release of all hostages can
stop more people dying. Israel must immediately stop blocking
humanitarian aid to Gaza, where their blockade on aid is causing
famine and intolerable suffering. And only a ceasefire can allow
talks to begin on the long-term political solutions that will
bring peace and security to everyone in the region.”
