THE States Assembly unanimously voted to join international calls for a ceasefire in Gaza – but what does that mean? And what difference does it make that Jersey raises its voice?
External Relations Minister Ian Gorst expressed concern from the outset that the decision would put Jersey in a constitutionally tricky position as the Island refers to the UK on matters of international affairs.
His last-minute amendments to Deputy Montfort Tadier’s proposition, most of which were approved, were intended to preserve “ongoing cohesion of the community” in Jersey and to respect that constitutional position between Jersey and the UK.
However, the final part passed unamended, meaning that Deputy Gorst will now have to express the view of the Assembly to the UK government that there should be an “immediate suspension of hostilities” in the region.
Deputy Tadier and other Members strongly opposed the amendments, saying they would “water down” the proposition’s original intention.
Dr Yaar Dagan, an Israeli dissident and legal expert who visited the Island last month, said that the decision would make Jersey “proud for hundreds of years to come, that when there was injustice taking place in Gaza, they were one of the first to stand up and side with the Palestinians”.
The JEP asked several prominent Islanders for their thoughts:
International Development Minister Carolyn Labey:
“Jersey Overseas Aid continues to work with our partners to deliver aid to civilians in Gaza. As States Members have agreed, we believe a ceasefire is essential in order for aid to reach civilians affected by the fighting.
“This is one of the severest humanitarian crises in the world today, with over 20,000 women and children killed since October, and hundreds of thousands more now at risk of starvation.
“Jersey will continue to provide what assistance it can, through properly vetted international aid agencies.”
External Relations Minister Ian Gorst:
“We maintain regular contact with the UK government and will pass on the views of the States Assembly through our usual channels.
“We value our constitutional relationship with the UK, and do not envisage any issues with the UK Parliament.”
President emeritus of the Jersey Jewish Congregation Stephen Regal:
“The proposition that was passed was the least worst proposition. [Deputy Tadier’s] initial version was quite naïve and demonstrated a lack of understanding of exactly what’s happening in Israel and Gaza and the run up to it.
“In common with everyone, we would like to see a ceasefire, but initially, we would like to see a resolution of the hostage issues.
“Israel has a duty to protect its citizens and to call for an unconditional ceasefire at this time is entirely naive and ill-constructed, and it would defeat the fact that a significant number of individuals on both sides of the conflict have been killed.”
Nonetheless, he added: “It is a waste of valuable government time to debate this issue when we need to deal with more pressing domestic issues in Jersey.
“We have no influence on international issues, especially constitutionally, where we refer to the UK.”
He expressed his personal and the community’s thanks to the government for consulting the Jewish community on the amendments and that he was “impressed” with the “integrity and care” that Members showed in the debate, compared to the chaotic debate which took place in the UK House of Commons.
He also thanked Islanders of all faith who had reached out to him of late.
