Statement on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank
Mayor Caroline Woodley's response to the joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada.
"I welcome the joint statement released by the UK government alongside France and Canada, and join them in strongly condemning the expansion of Israel’s military operation in Gaza and the wholly inadequate provision of aid.
"Our Hackney communities, along with many thousands of voices raised across the country, have been constant and clear that more needs to be done by our government and our allies to stop military operations in Gaza and immediately allow access to humanitarian aid.
"The joint statement affirms the importance of engaging with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles, and calls on Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages held since the heinous attack on 7 October 2023.
"Tom Fletcher, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator stated one week ago, that “every single one of the 2.1 million Palestinians in the Gaza strip face the risk of famine”, and that life-saving supplies are ready, and can reach civilians directly.
"The UN has also asserted that all parties to the conflict must comply with international human rights law, and protection of civilians, and that Hamas must release hostages now, asking “For those killed and those whose voices are silenced: what more evidence do you need now? Will you act – decisively – to prevent genocide and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law? Or will you say instead, 'we did all we could?’”.
"The leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada have made a strong response, not only regarding Gaza, but also opposing any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank - urging Israel to halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. Our government has been clear that they will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.
"A permanent ceasefire is the only route to a sustainable peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. In Hackney, we continue to call for an end to the death, destruction and suffering we’ve witnessed throughout this conflict."
Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney