Many residents have contacted us about the horrifying events unfolding in the Middle East. Everyone who has friends, relatives, or loved ones in Israel and Gaza is in our thoughts. It is heart-breaking to see so many innocent civilians suffering and we mourn all loss of life. 

We utterly condemn Hamas’ appalling terrorist attacks on men, women and children in Israel. Terrorism is never justified. 

We are very concerned about the humanitarian situation on the ground in Gaza. International law must be followed. There are seven significant hospitals in the north of Gaza, as well as multiple large refugee camps. There must be humanitarian access and continued supplies of food, water, electricity and medicines. There can be no collective punishment of people in Gaza. 

The Palestinian people deserve their legitimate right to dignity, freedom, justice, and self-determination, alongside a safe and secure Israel.

We join the UN and WHO officials in calling for an end to indiscriminate air strikes, withdrawal of the relocation order and lifting of the siege of Gaza. We wholeheartedly condemn air strikes on homes, hospitals and schools in Gaza which are being used for shelter and that have resulted in innocent lives being lost. We call for an immediate end to attacks on innocent men, women and children.

As councillors, we will work to bring all the people of Sheffield together, promote peace and denounce hate.