As more details emerge, Green councillors are appalled by the brutality of Hamas’s attacks and its seizure of hostages.
The release of those hostages, who include women and children, must be immediate and unconditional. Israel’s people have every right to safety and security.
There are also civilians in Gaza who must be protected.
We are deeply concerned at the civilian casualties from Israel’s military action, the imposition of a blockade for food, water and fuel, and the forced displacement of the civilian population.
All parties, including Israel, are obliged to adhere to international humanitarian law and the laws of war. These actions are in clear breach of those rules.
The only way to prevent further mass civilian casualties and mass suffering is for the fighting to stop.
The UK must join international calls for an immediate ceasefire.
At the same time there must be immediate access for humanitarian assistance to the civilian population and the resumption of water, fuel and food supplies.
There is only one way to secure peace between Israel and the Palestinians. That is for a just political settlement based on the end of occupation of the Palestinian territories.
There should not be a return to a never-ending ‘peace process’ that risks disruption by extremists, but an urgent and vigorous international effort to bring about the creation of a Palestinian state, allowing Israel and Palestine to exist safely within their own borders.
Greens are the second largest party in Reading
As the main opposition party on Labour-run Reading Council Green councillors will continue to work constructively to get the best for people and planet.
There are now seven Green Party councillors and we are now two councillors ahead of the Conservatives. We will keep working hard all year round on the issues that matter to residents.
If you’re keen on being part of the change in Reading, get involved and help us make Reading fairer, greener and cleaner: reading.greenparty.org.uk/get-involved
By Green Party councillor Rob White, leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council
