In the past three weeks, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has witnessed a distressing escalation. The consequences of this conflict are severe, with countless innocent Palestinians facing indiscriminate and devastating Israeli bombardment, enduring a total siege that deprives them of shelter, medical care, and even drinking water. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. World leaders are being called upon to promptly advocate for a humanitarian ceasefire, aiming to end the suffering and reignite a process that addresses the root causes of generations of deprivation, conflict, terror, and occupation.
Sheffield Labour Councilors Challenge Party Leadership, Back Ceasefire and Palestine Support
31 Sheffield Labour councillors defy Keir Starmer, back Palestine ceasefire in a notable move during a Green Party-proposed motion. They also call for UK to stop arms sales to Israel.
Councillor Mohamed stated, “There will only be just and lasting peace when we end the violence and appraise the situation on the ground honestly, recognizing the historical context.” Her speech was met with chants of “free, free Palestine” from protesters outside the council meeting.
Nationwide, more than 30 Labour councillors have resigned from their positions since Keir Starmer’s statement on October 11, in which he asserted that Israel had “a right” to withhold power and water from Palestinian civilians trapped in Gaza. Several Labour council groups, including those in Manchester, Brent, Slough, and Cambridge, have issued statements calling for a ceasefire, while the Labour mayor of Leicester has criticized Starmer for what he perceives as a one-sided response.
Over 330 Labour councillors send letter to party leadership, demanding ceasefire and an end to Gaza siege. Earlier, 250+ Muslim Labour councillors wrote a similar letter, with many non-Muslim signatories in the recent appeal.
China and Russia collaborate on a two-state solution for Israel and Palestinians
A top Chinese envoy announced that China and Russia are in alignment regarding the Palestinian issue and are committed to jointly addressing the situation and fostering a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians.
“The fundamental reason for the current situation of the Palestine-Israel conflict is that the Palestinian people’s lawful national rights have not been guaranteed,” Zhai Jun, China’s special envoy to the Middle East, said, according to a statement released by the Chinese foreign ministry.
“China and Russia have the same position on the Palestine question, and China is ready to maintain communication and coordination with Russia to promote de-escalation of the situation,” Zhai said.
“The two countries want to play a positive role in resuming talks for peace between Palestine and Israel, truly implementing the two-state solution, and promoting a comprehensive, just and enduring solution to the Palestinian question at an early date,” Zhai said.
According to Russia’s Tass state news agency, both parties reaffirmed their resolute commitment to closely coordinate their actions in achieving a political resolution for the Middle East and North Africa region, in addition to this specific crisis.
Beijing describes Hamas as a “resistance movement,” not as a terrorist group as Israel and other countries do.
During a recent meeting this week, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly informed Chinese leader Xi Jinping that… “Egypt and other Arab countries highly appreciate China’s consistent and just position on the Palestinian question and expect China to play a bigger role in solving the current crisis,” according to a Chinese statement on their meeting.
Bolivia Cuts Diplomatic Relations with Israel, Chile and Colombia Recall Ambassadors
In response to the violence in Gaza, Bolivia has broken off diplomatic relations with Israel, Chile has recalled its ambassador, and Colombia has expressed its disapproval.Deputy Foreign Minister Freddy Mamani stated that Bolivia’s decision was a response to the aggressive and disproportionate Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Bolivia has also called for a ceasefire and an end to “the blockade that prevents the entry of food, water and other essential elements for life,” Mamani said.
Interim Foreign Minister Maria Nela Prada, during the press conference announced that they are sending humanitarian aid to Gaza. Prada said the press conference had been called “in reference to the crimes against humanity being committed in the Gaza Strip against the Palestinian people.
Prada also said “Bolivia demands an end to the attacks in Gaza which have caused thousands of civilian deaths and the forced displacement of Palestinians.”
The Role of the Modi Government
India’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict has sparked controversy. The Modi government’s stance in favor of Israel has faced substantial backlash from activists and human rights groups. Critics argue that by aligning with Israel, the Indian government is neglecting the Palestinian cause and their inherent rights. As a result, there is a growing chorus of calls to boycott the Modi government and affiliated entities.
Bangladesh Calls for Immediate Palestine-Israel Conflict Ceasefire
Bangladesh expressed strong condemnation for the killing of innocent civilians, including women and children, by Israeli forces and called for an immediate halt to Israeli attacks in Palestine. According to a statement from the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry, Bangladesh played a crucial role in coordinating an emergency special session of the UN General Assembly on the situation in Palestine and co-sponsored the resolution adopted during the session held in October.
“We firmly believe that a two-state solution is the only viable way to ensure lasting peace in the region, and we reaffirm our unwavering support to the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people through the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State,” said the ministry.
Dhaka has no diplomatic relations with Israel.
While Bangladesh expresses solidarity with Palestine, there’s a growing sentiment that more significant initiatives are needed to support the Palestinian cause.
World leaders should urgently unite in a humanitarian ceasefire to halt the suffering and initiate a process that can tackle the underlying causes of generations of deprivation, conflict, terror, and occupation. History will be watching.
