Welsh Parliament to vote on motion calling for immediate ceasefire in Israel and Gaza conflict

The Welsh Parliament will vote today on a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Gaza.

The motion, brought forward by Plaid Cymru, has called for solidarity across political lines, emphasising the urgent need to halt the “appalling attacks on innocent civilians” and to enable the provision of vital care to those affected.

The debate, which unfolds today, Wednesday, 7th November, holds particular resonance as it comes in the wake of a month of harrowing violence.

The conflict began when armed Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack against Israel, resulting in significant casualties and leading to a full-scale military response that has devastated Gaza.

According to the Gaza health ministry, the toll includes at least 10,000 people killed – mainly civilians – and 25,000 injured, with hundreds of thousands displaced due to the blockade.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said that his party condemned the “horrifying attacks carried out by Hamas against Israeli civilians” on October 7 and called for the “immediate release of hostages” and also condemned “the Israeli Government’s indiscriminate attacks on Gaza and the collective punishment of thousands of innocent Palestinians”.

An immediate ceasefire, he said, was needed to “end the appalling attacks on innocent civilians”, allow aid agencies to deliver “vital care” to the thousands suffering in the Gaza Strip, and to enable the region to move towards long-lasting peace.

Mr ap Iorwerth said it was important that the Senedd, Wales’ national parliament and a part of the international community, unite behind a call for a ceasefire to send a “clear message” for “humanity and peace”.

He thanked Labour and Liberal Democrat Senedd members who had already pledged to vote in favour of the motion.

Meanwhile, over 150 cross-party councillors in Wales have signed the letter from the Muslim Council of Wales which calls on leaders of the Senedd’s political parties to back an immediate ceasefire.

The councillors have also called on Members of the Senedd to vote in favour of the unamended motion which calls for an immediate ceasefire.

Meanwhile, 47 organisations – including Welsh Labour Grassroots – have signed a letter addressed to Labour First Minister Mark Drakeford, urging him and other Members of the Senedd to support the unamended motion.

Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS stated:

“Plaid Cymru condemns the horrifying attacks carried out by Hamas against Israeli civilians and calls for the immediate release of hostages. We also condemn the Israeli Government’s indiscriminate attacks on Gaza and the collective punishment of thousands of innocent Palestinians.

“Our Senedd motion is calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel to end the appalling attacks on innocent civilians. This would allow aid agencies to deliver vital care and supplies to the thousands currently suffering in the Gaza Strip.

“Plaid Cymru is urging every member in the Senedd to unite behind a ceasefire so that our national parliament sends a clear message for humanity and peace.

“We welcome the support of Labour and Liberal Democrat Members who have already signed our motion or indicated their support, and hope that many others will do so during the debate.”

Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, has come under criticism within his own party for not supporting a ceasefire but advocating a humanitarian pause. This position has led to the resignation of 50 Labour councillors and has intensified the debate on the efficacy of a humanitarian pause versus a ceasefire in resolving the conflict.