Closed petition States Assembly to request a cease fire in Gaza
On 7th October 2023, Hamas gunmen launched an assault on Israel from Gaza, killing more than 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages. Since the ensuing war was declared by the Israeli Government, its armed forces have reportedly killed over 11,000 people in the Gaza Strip.
More details
“The victims include 4,506 children, 3,027 women, and 678 elderly people, with 27,490 people injured,” Hamas run Health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra
The States Assembly should recognise the actions being taken by Israel are disproportionate and request a cease fire to His Majesty’s Government.
This petition is closed All petitions run for 6 months
1,006 signatures
5,000
Ministers responded
This response was given on 31 May 2024
On 27th February 2024 the States Assembly held a debate on a report and proposition entitled Ceasefire in Gaza (P.7/2024). The outcome was a vote 45-0 in favour of the proposition as amended.
The effect of this debate was to take the action requested by the petition. The States was specifically asked to
• ‘To express their profound sadness and dismay at the extent of the loss of civilian lives in Gaza and Israel and to condemn the taking of hostages and all acts of aggression which violate international law and result in death and harm to civilians, especially women and children.
• ‘That an immediate suspension of hostilities should be established to enable the unconditional release of hostages and those held under unlawful detention, the urgent provision of humanitarian assistance, and a permanent ceasefire.’
As a direct result of the States decision, the Minister for External Relations has written to the UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Mike Freer MP, to convey the Assembly’s view on the matter to the UK Government. A copy of the letter is available at the following webpage - https://www.gov.je/News/2024/Pages/MinisterForExternalRelationsLetter.aspx
This debate provided an opportunity for the States Assembly to express their views and that of their constituents. It was a considered and courteous discussion that reflected the complexity and sensitivity of the issues.
Jersey’s Government remains very concerned by the rising number of civilian casualties, the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the access constraints that are impeding the delivery of life-saving assistance. It is sincerely hoped that a resolution to the conflict is sought as quickly as possible to allow for the flow of urgently needed services and relief items into Gaza and for the safe return of all hostages.