Plaid Cymru’s Hywel Williams MP has written to the Speaker of the House of Commons requesting the recall of Parliament to allow MP’s the opportunity to debate the worsening crisis in Gaza.
The Arfon MP along with Assembly Member Alun Ffred Jones AM and Cllr Siân Gwenllian are calling for a concerted effort by both Welsh and Westminster Governments to do all they can to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Last week Mr Williams urged the UK Government to enforce an immediate arms embargo against Israel.
Mr Williams said,
“The violence unleashed against the Palestinian people by the Israeli Government is tantamount to war crimes. Besieged by land, sea and air, the Palestinian people are being denied water, electricity and free movement whilst continually facing bombardment by Israeli forces. Israel’s complete disregard for human life is indefensible. People in Arfon are outraged by what is happening. MP’s should be given the opportunity to challenge the Government on this escalating crisis and as such, Parliament should be recalled.
Many of my constituents regard Israel’s actions as utterly disproportionate to the threat posed by Hamas. The indiscriminate and deliberate Israeli assault on innocent Palestinian civilians amounts to a blatant violation of international law and as such, firmly places the Israeli Government in danger of facing war crimes charges.
The increasing number of children being killed in this conflict raises very serious questions about Israel’s intentions. The scale of suffering in Gaza is too great and the loss of life, particularly amongst children, is wholly unacceptable. The degree of death and carnage inflicted on the Palestinian people is barbaric and will undoubtedly continue unless the West urgently rethinks its policy towards the crisis.”
Alun Ffred Jones said,
“The suffering in Gaza is so extensive, I believe the Welsh Government should follow the example of the Scottish Government and provide practical support to alleviate the suffering. If financial assistance is not possible, then other means of help should be explored in order to aid those in real need.”
Cllr Siân Gwenllian who represents Y Felinheli on Gwynedd Council added,
“The plight of those suffering in Gaza is being felt across the world. What I’m hearing from people in Y Felinheli is anger and frustration at the escalating violence and the deplorable and indiscriminate targeting of innocent civilians. Local people are taking to the streets in Bangor and Caernarfon to show their solidarity with the people of Palestine and I support their stance.”
