This Council:  

- Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the situation in Israel and Gaza.

- Offers our support to those in Trafford who have been affected by the ongoing violence in the region.

- Condemns the murder of Israeli civilians, the taking of hostages by Hamas and the death and destruction.

- Condemns the impact on the Palestinian people of the Israeli government’s military action that has resulted in a catastrophic number of deaths, injuries and displacement among the population of Gaza.

- Expresses a deep concern that the UN has stated that a large proportion of Gaza is now uninhabitable, and much of the population is facing hunger and insanitary conditions.

- Believes that the urgent priority must be to stop the deaths and suffering of any more civilians in Israel and Gaza.  

- Hopes for an immediate further release of all hostages and release of Palestinian prisoners held without charge; and an immediate, permanent bilateral ceasefire.  

- Believes people of all faiths and none should feel safe in our borough.  

- Condemns the increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic violence and abuse in the UK and believes all forms of racism have no place in Trafford.

The Council resolves to:

(i) explore how the council can better support and facilitate events for people of all faiths and none, where they can come together and express solidarity and sadness in response to these events.

(ii) stand ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by these events.

The council also resolves to ask the Leader of the council to write to the relevant UK Government ministers:

(1)  calling on the UK Government to press all parties:

- to agree to an urgent permanent bilateral ceasefire in Israel and Gaza and to make every effort to resume the peace process;

- to guarantee that international humanitarian law is upheld and that civilians are protected in accordance with those laws;

- to ensure that civilians have access to humanitarian support, including unfettered access to medical supplies, food, electricity, other fuel and water. And to request an urgent update on UK Government action being taken to ensure this.

(2) Sharing the content of the motion agreed at council this evening, which reflects our concern.

(3) Acknowledging the recent national funding provided to help tackle antisemitism and islamophobia, but also requesting additional funding for local authorities to help support community cohesion projects.

Councillor Evans raised a Point of Order for this Motion regarding point 11.3 in the Council’s Constitution which outlined that:

‘Scope: Motions must be about matters for which the Council has a responsibility, or which affect the Borough’.

The Mayor, following a discussion with the Monitoring Officer, informed Councillor Evans that the Motion did affect the Borough and that it would be heard.

Councillor Evans raised a second Point of Order regarding point 13.6 of the Council’s Constitution on ‘Withdrawal of the Motion’. The Monitoring Officer informed Councillor Evans that this was not a Point of Order.

The Mayor proceeded with the Motion.

The Motion set out on the Summons regarding Israel and Gaza Motion was moved and seconded.

The proposed Amendment was moved and seconded as set out and published.

Following a debate on the matter, the Amendment was put to vote and declared carried.

The substantive Motion as Amended was then put to the vote and declared carried.

            RESOLVED: That:

This Council:

·         Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the situation in Israel and Gaza.

·         Offers our support to those in Trafford who have been affected by the ongoing violence in the region.

·         Condemns the murder of Israeli civilians, the taking of hostages by Hamas and the death and destruction.

·         Condemns the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October and on female hostages still held in captivity.

·         Condemns the impact on the Palestinian people of the Israeli government’s military action that has resulted in a catastrophic number of deaths, injuries, and displacement among the population of Gaza.

·         Expresses a deep concern that the UN has stated that a large proportion of Gaza is now uninhabitable, and much of the population is facing hunger and insanitary conditions.

·         Believes that the urgent priority must be to stop the deaths and suffering of any more civilians in Israel and Gaza.

·         Hopes for an immediate further release of all hostages and an immediate end to the holding of Palestinian prisoners in custody without charge; and an immediate, permanent bilateral ceasefire.

·         Believe that the only credible basis for long-term peace is the delivery of a Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.

·         Believes people of all faiths and none should feel safe in our borough.

·         Condemns the increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic violence and abuse in the UK and believes all forms of racism have no place in Trafford.

The Council resolves to:

(i)            Continue to explore how the Council can support and facilitate events for people of all faiths and none, where they can come together and express solidarity and sadness in response to these events.

(ii)          Stand ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by these events in line with out recent Borough of Sanctuary motion.

The Council also resolves to ask the Leader of the Council to write to the relevant UK Government ministers:

1)    Calling on the UK Government to press all parties:

·         To agree to an urgent permanent bilateral ceasefire in Israel and Gaza and to make every effort to resume the peace process;

·         to guarantee that international humanitarian law is upheld and that civilians are protected in accordance with those laws;

·         to ensure that civilians have access to humanitarian support, including unfettered access to medical supplies, food, electricity, other fuel and water. And to request an urgent update on UK Government action being taken to ensure this;

·         to do all in its powers to support those that are committed to a permanent peace and a 2-state solution.

2)    Sharing the content of the motion agreed at Council this evening, which reflects our concern.

3)    Acknowledging the recent national funding provided to help tackle antisemitism and islamophobia, but also requestion additional funding for local authorities to help and support community cohesion projects.