“Coventry City Council condemns the attack on Israel committed by Hamas just over one year ago, but it recognises that at the same time, Israel must abide by international laws - which according to the International Court of Justice it is currently in breach of - in order to protect lives and de-escalate the violence being inflicted.
Since October 7th, over 47,000 people have been killed by the Israeli Government’s bombardment of Gaza, and their most recent attacks on Lebanon and Syria. This is almost the equivalent of the entire populations of Westwood, Wainbody, Woodlands, and Earlsdon.
Coventry’s diverse communities, including those with roots in the Middle East, are deeply affected by the ongoing conflict and this motion reflects the city’s commitment to standing in solidarity with all those impacted. As a city, we have seen communities come together to raise awareness of the conflict including at our two universities, and in our local charities and organisations.
We reaffirm our support for a long-term peaceful solution which assures the safety and dignity of all people across the Middle East, as a City of Peace and Reconciliation.
As a result:
· We call for the release of all hostages.
· We condemn any activity which has been deemed in breach of international law and call for international laws to be upheld.
· We call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in the Middle East.
· We call for a recognised Palestinian State.
· We urge all nations to support a relief programme in Gaza to rebuild the lives of people there including restoring infrastructure, educational institutions, and medical facilities.
· We will continue to raise awareness of this violence at the annual Coventry Peace Festival and reaffirm the city's commitment to peace.”
Minutes:
Prior to the Motion, in accordance with paragraph 15.19 of the Council Procedure Rules, Councillor G Ridley requested the Lord Mayor to rule on whether the Motion was not a matter for which the authority has a responsibility or which affects the City as set out in paragraph 9.1. The Lord Mayor ruled that this was not the case. The Motion was then debated.
The following Motion was moved by Councillor G Lewis and seconded by Councillor L Kelly:
“Coventry City Council condemns the attack on Israel committed by Hamas just over one year ago, but it recognises that at the same time, Israel must abide by international laws - which according to the International Court of Justice it is currently in breach of - in order to protect lives and de-escalate the violence being inflicted.
Since October 7th, over 47,000 people have been killed by the Israeli Government’s bombardment of Gaza, and their most recent attacks on Lebanon and Syria. This is almost the equivalent of the entire populations of Westwood, Wainbody, Woodlands, and Earlsdon.
Coventry’s diverse communities, including those with roots in the Middle East, are deeply affected by the ongoing conflict and this motion reflects the city’s commitment to standing in solidarity with all those impacted. As a city, we have seen communities come together to raise awareness of the conflict including at our two universities, and in our local charities and organisations.
We reaffirm our support for a long-term peaceful solution which assures the safety and dignity of all people across the Middle East, as a City of Peace and Reconciliation.
As a result:
· We call for the release of all hostages.
· We condemn any activity which has been deemed in breach of international law and call for international laws to be upheld.
· We call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in the Middle East.
· We call for a recognised Palestinian State.
· We urge all nations to support a relief programme in Gaza to rebuild the lives of people there including restoring infrastructure, educational institutions, and medical facilities.
· We will continue to raise awareness of this violence at the annual Coventry Peace Festival and reaffirm the city's commitment to peace.”
The following amendment was moved by Councillor S Gray and seconded by Councillor E Reeves and lost:
That at the Motion be amended by the addition of the following bullet point at the end of the Motion:-
· “We resolve to work towards twinning with one town or city on each side of this conflict and use those cultural links to build peace, understanding, and reconciliation between the two sides.”
In accordance with paragraph 15.19 of the Council Procedure Rules, Councillor J Gardiner requested a named vote on the Motion and was seconded by Councillor M Lapsa, as set out in paragraph 18.3.
Note: The Councillors voting For and Against the Motion were as follows:
For |
|
Against |
Abstain |
Councillors: S Agboola N Akhtar P Akhtar M Ali R Brown B Christopher G Duggins J Gardiner S Gray L Harvard G Hayre P Hetherton J Innes A Jobbar S Jobbar L Kelly R Lakha G Lewis G Lloyd K Maton C Miks S Nazir |
|
Councillors: R Bailey J Birdi J Blundell J Gardiner T Jandu M Lapsa J Lepoidevin P Male G Ridley T Sawdon
|
|
J O’Boyle E Reeves K Sandhu P Seaman B Singh R Singh CE Thomas D Toulson M Mutton |
|
|
Total: 40
Result: Carried
For: 30
Against: 10
Abstain: 0