The following has been approved of by all East Staffordshire Labour Group councillors:

As East Staffordshire Borough Councillors we stand with our local communities and call on the UK Government and the Labour Party leadership to support a ceasefire leading to a peaceful resolution on all sides, protecting civilians in both Gaza and Israel.

We are deeply concerned by the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. International Law and human rights must always be upheld, and the sanctity of life protected for all. We condemn any and all acts of violence and the targeting of innocent civilians and are distraught at the loss of innocent lives in both Gaza and Israel.

Our Labour values of equality, Justice and shared humanity bind us together, there can never be any justification for collective punishment and the denial of basic human necessities such as food, water, and electricity that we are witnessing in Gaza. Therefore, we call upon the national political leadership to explicitly condemn these acts and be unequivocal that they are never legitimate.

We are in a state of shock at the horrors that unfolded on 7th October in Israel and the subsequent blockade and death toll in Gaza is heart-breaking. All hostages must be released immediately.

It is vital International Law is adhered to, humanitarian corridors are opened in Gaza for all those fleeing violence, and that vital aid can be distributed to the Civilian population in Gaza.

In East Staffordshire we stand with all our communities at this time of deep grief and anxiety. East Staffordshire is a proud multicultural community and must never be a place where hatred can flourish.

On behalf of the residents of this borough who put their trust in the Labour values of equality, justice, and a shared belief in humanity we call on the Government and the Labour Leadership to recognize the Palestinian Struggle. Out of this darkness must emerge a serious peace process that delivers safe and secure states of Palestine and Israel living side by side peacefully.