Eight Walsall councillors to push for immediate ceasefire in Gaza at next council meeting

Councillors Aftab Nawaz, Khizar Hussain, Pete Smith, Hajran Bashir, Sabina Ditta, Naheed Gultasib, Farhana Hassan and Saiqa Nasreen, along with two members of the public, have called on the council to condemn the ongoing conflict in Palestine.

Walsall has long shared a close friendship with a village in the West Bank named Kobar. Before the war escalated in October 2023, Palestinians visited Walsall and were welcomed by the mayor, and on many occasions, Walsall residents visited Kobar.

Since October 7, 2023, after around 1,200 people were killed and 200 others taken hostage by Hamas terrorists, more than 45,885 Palestinians have been killed, with children making up over a third of the death toll.

The notice of motion put forward by the eight councillors states: “Residents of Walsall’s diverse communities, including some local Palestinian families, have looked on with horror, shock, and disbelief at the destruction in the Middle East.

“Walsall residents have confirmed their solidarity with the people in the Middle East, particularly the people of Gaza, by holding vigils, fundraisers and many rallies throughout the year.”

Walsall councillors will be asked to support the motion, which calls for the immediate return of Israeli and Palestinian hostages, urges the UK Government to recognise a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, demands an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and a reevaluation of arms sales to Israel.

The meeting is due to take place at 6pm on Monday January 13, 2024 at the Council House.