Welsh parliament set to vote on Israel-Gaza ceasefire

The Senedd (Welsh Parliament) is set to vote on calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.

The Plaid Cymru motion, debated today (Wednesday 7^th November), calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel to “end the appalling attacks on innocent civilians”.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said that his party condemened the “horrifying attacks carried out by Hamas against Israeli civilians” on October 7 and called for the “immediate release of hostages” and also condemened “the Israeli Government’s indiscriminate attacks on Gaza and the collective punishment of thousands of innocent Palestinians”.

An immediate ceasefire, he said, was needed to “end the appalling attacks on innocent civilians”, allow aid agencies to deliver “vital care” to the thousands suffering in the Gaza Strip, and to enable the region to move towards long-lasting peace.

Mr ap Iorwerth said it was important the Senedd, Wales’ national parliament and a part of the international community, united behind a call for a ceasefire to send a “clear message” for “humanity and peace”.

He thanked Labour and Liberal Democrat Senedd members who had already pledged to vote in favour of the motion.

Meanwhile, over 150 cross-party councillors in Wales have signed the letter from the Muslim Council of Wales which calls on leaders of the Senedd’s political parties to back an immediate ceasfire.

The councillors have also called on Members of the Senedd to vote in favour of the unamended motion which calls for an immediate ceasefire.

Meanwhile, 47 organisations – including Welsh Labour Grassroots - have signed a letter addressed to Labour First Minister Mark Drakeford calling on him and other Members of the Senedd to support the unamended motion.  

Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said,

“Plaid Cymru condemns the horrifying attacks carried out by Hamas against Israeli civilians and call for the immediate release of hostages. We also condemn the Israeli Government’s indiscriminate attacks on Gaza and the collective punishment of thousands of innocent Palestinians.

“Our Senedd motion is calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel to end the appalling attacks on innocent civilians. This would allow aid agencies to deliver vital care and supplies to the thousands currently suffering in the Gaza Strip.

“Plaid Cymru is urging every member in the Senedd to unite behind a ceasefire so that our national parliament sends a clear message for humanity and peace.

“We welcome the support of Labour and Liberal Democrat Members who have already signed our motion or indicated their support, and hope that many others will do so during the debate.”

ENDS

Editor’s Notes

Plaid Cymru motion for an immediate ceasefire:

https://record.senedd.wales/Motion/8391

1. Condemns the horrifying attacks carried out by Hamas against Israeli civilians and calls for the immediate release of hostages.
2. Notes that Israel has a duty to ensure the protection, security and welfare of its citizens and the occupied Palestinian population. 
3. Condemns the Israeli Government’s indiscriminate attacks on Gaza, resulting in the death of thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians and agrees with the United Nations Secretary-General that collective punishment of the Palestinian people cannot be justified.
4. Calls on the international community to:
5. a) unite in seeking an immediate ceasefire to end the human suffering and allow humanitarian organisations to reach those in need;
6. b)  bring pressure to bear on the Israeli Government to end the siege of Gaza which contravenes international law and the basic human rights of Palestinian civilians; and
7. c) do everything within its power to create safe and meaningful aid corridors into the Gaza Strip and enable safe passage out of the region.
8. Stands in solidarity with the Israeli and Palestinian communities in Wales affected by the conflict.
9. Urges the Senedd to support a two-state solution in order to pursue lasting peace in the region.

Amendment, tabled by Darren Millar (Con) and co-submitted by Hefin David and Alun Davies (Lab).

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Condemns the indiscriminate attacks, violence and acts of terror perpetrated by Hamas against Israel on 7th October. 
2. Recognises the right of all sovereign states, including the State of Israel, to defend themselves and their citizens.
3. Believes that war should be conducted in accordance with international law, including avoiding civilian casualties.
4. Regrets the loss of civilian lives and casualties in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
5. Extends the deepest sympathy of people across Wales to those who have lost loved ones.
6. Recognises the further risks posed by the significant humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 
7. Calls for:
8. a) the release of hostages;
9. b) a suspension of hostilities to allow for the establishment of humanitarian corridors;
10. c) the reopening of the Rafah crossing to enable civilians, foreign nationals, aid workers and humanitarian supplies to cross without unnecessary hindrance;
11. d) the international community to work with Israeli and Palestinian representatives to bring an end to the conflict and negotiate a permanent peace settlement which delivers security and prosperity for all, based on the principle of the two-state solution.

• Letter by Welsh councillors / Muslim Council of Wales:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7bagQ-AYQpn0lVj_yni-KNOZQMJbr1VVrwQuL83Ir-QuzuQ/viewform?pli=1&s=03

• Letter by 47 organisations calling on the Welsh First Minister to support a ceasefire: https://cymdeithas.cymru/sites/default/files/06112023%20Ceasefire%20in%20Gaza%20.pdf

• Plaid Cymru has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.

• Mark Drakeford has supported the position taken by the UK leader, Sir Keir Starmer who has been facing criticism from many within his party for resisting pressure to call for an immediate ceasefire. However, Welsh Labour cabinet member, Health Minister Eluned Morgan, has spoken out in favour of an immediate ceasefire. 

• The vote is expected at 6.30pm on Wednesday 8th November 2023.