JERSEY’S government remains “very concerned” about the “deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza”, the Chief Minister has said in response to a petition calling for a ceasefire.
Deputy Lyndon Farnham added that ministers “sincerely hoped that a resolution to the conflict is sought as quickly as possible” to allow for the flow of aid into Gaza and the safe return of Israeli hostages.
An Islander’s petition for the States Assembly to “recognise the actions being taken by Israel are disproportionate and request a ceasefire to His Majesty’s Government” has received over 1,000 signatures – prompting a response from the head of Jersey’s government.
In that response, published yesterday, Deputy Farnham referred to the States Assembly’s unanimous decision in February to notify the UK Parliament of their support for an “immediate suspension of hostilities” in the region.
His comments in the response are the most recent statement from the Island’s government on its position on the war.
He said: “Jersey’s government remains very concerned by the rising number of civilian casualties, the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the access constraints that are impeding the delivery of life-saving assistance.
“It is sincerely hoped that a resolution to the conflict is sought as quickly as possible to allow for the flow of urgently needed services and relief items into Gaza and for the safe return of all hostages.”
He added: “[February’s] debate provided an opportunity for the States Assembly to express their views and that of their constituents.
“It was a considered and courteous discussion that reflected the complexity and sensitivity of the issues.”
The letter from External Relations Minister Ian Gorst to UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Mike Freer MP on 13 March was made available to the public last month.
In the letter, he set out his reasoning for the amendments made to Deputy Montfort Tadier’s proposition which originally called for a “permanent ceasefire” and referred to “potential acts of genocide”.
These were intended to allow it to “better reflect the views of a majority of the community in Jersey”, he said.
The current Israel-Gaza war began when Hamas gunmen carried out an attack on southern Israel on 7 October, killing around 1,200 people and taking 253 hostage.
At least 36,170 people have been killed across Gaza since the start of the conflict, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
States-approved proposition
In the approved proposition, the States agreed:
– To express their profound sadness and dismay at the extent of the loss of civilian lives in Gaza and Israel and to condemn the taking of hostages and all acts of aggression which violate international law and result in death and harm to civilians, especially women and children.
– That an immediate suspension of hostilities should be established to enable the unconditional release of hostages and those held under unlawful detention, the urgent provision of humanitarian assistance and a permanent ceasefire.
