TAMESIDE’S Labour Party has come out in support of the recognition of a Palestinian State.
And heartbreak, devastation and horror at scenes of the war in Gaza have caused it to ask its leaders to follow suit.
France became the first of the G7 nations to declare it would do so after President Emmanuel Macron announced it would from September.
Now locally, the Labour Party has declared it would follow suit amid a ‘disproportionate onslaught’ – and it believes Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer should do likewise, going further than he has so far with Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Several full council meetings have been disturbed by protestors voicing their opposition to the situation.
And in a statement, Tameside Labour Party said: “Since October 2023, Labour Councillors across our whole city-region, including those in Tameside, have been calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
“Here in Tameside, we have been heartbroken, devastated and horrified by the events of the past 21 months, and these calls have only become more pressing.
“Innocent men, women and children of Palestine are starving to death whilst the world watches – and time is rapidly running out.
“Whilst we have supported our government in the decisive action taken thus far, including the suspension of export licenses and the cessation of work on a trade deal with Netanyahu’s government, our representatives in government must now go further and recognise Palestine as a state.
“A two-state solution cannot happen without two states to negotiate, and every second wasted is another second where Gaza continues to face total annihilation.”
Currently, the State of Palestine is recognised by more than 140 of the 193 member states of the United Nations, including Spain and Ireland.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said France’s move “rewards terror” following Hamas’ attack on his nation on October 7, 2023.
The United States says it “strongly rejects” Macron’s announcement, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing it as “reckless.”
Israel’s offensive has centred on demolishing the Hamas-run regime and Tameside Labour insisted that side must also act for the greater good.
It added: “Hamas must immediately release the Israeli hostages, who have now been separated from their families for nearly two years.
“Israel must immediately cease the disproportionate onslaught of its neighbour, allowing aid and medical care to access Gaza safely.
“Our government must immediately join France and the growing consensus of international law by recognising the State of Palestine.”