A BACKBENCH politician is urging all States Members to “use their voices” to advocate for peace on the international stage by supporting a call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Deputy Montfort Tadier, who chairs the Jersey Human Rights Group, says Island representatives should take a stance in the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, in response to a public petition calling for a ceasefire.
In a report accompanying a proposition, Deputy Tadier explained: “On an international scale, the proposition aims to add the Assembly’s voice to those calling for a ceasefire and to do our bit to help the children and young people impacted by the conflict.
“I ask members to vote with their consciences on this proposition and use what small influence the Island has to add our voice to those in the international community seeking a lasting peace in the region.”
The Deputy explained that his proposal aims to “recognise the strong feelings” of the 800-plus Islanders who have signed a petition lodged by former Deputy Paul Le Claire asking the States to recognise Israel’s actions as disproportionate, and to call for a ceasefire.
Deputy Tadier’s report continued: “As a States Member who also shares the concern of the petitioners, I feel it is important that those of us who feel similar, and who have a voice in Jersey’s parliament, the States Assembly, also use that voice to amplify the feelings of the public.
“Many of the people I speak to also feel that a genocide is taking place before our very eyes, and they feel powerless in the face of such civilian death toll. However, living in a democracy means that people can at least have a voice and use that voice.”
The proposition urges the States to express “profound sadness” at the extent of civilian casualties in both Gaza and Israel and to “condemn the taking of hostages and acts of aggression that violate international law”.
Deputy Tadier explained: “25,000 Gaza civilians, which represents a quarter of the population of Jersey, have been killed in the space of just over three months. In addition, more than 62,000 have been injured… And it is estimated that two-thirds of those killed are women and children.”
The proposition also seeks to officially put forward an Assembly consensus calling for a permanent ceasefire, an end to the military occupation of Palestine, the release of all hostages and a diplomatic solution to end the conflict.
The Deputy said: “The UK may not know what it means to be occupied, but we in the Channel Islands do. Admittedly, our most recent occupation only lasted five years, but its memory is still etched into the collective consciousness some 80 years on. Should we not speak out for and support others who are facing a similar situation?”
His proposition calls upon the UK government and its allies to actively engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving stability and lasting peace in the region.
The proposition, which is due to be debated on 27 February, also underscores the significance of respecting a recent interim ruling of the International Court of Justice brought by South Africa, which ordered Israel to do it all it can to prevent death, destruction and acts of genocide.
In November, the Island’s religious leaders and former Chief Minister Kristina Moore called for “a swift end to the violence” in the Middle East in a joint statement – but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire, saying instead that “co-operation may require all sides to adhere to a pause in hostilities”.
