"We would like to thank the Labour Government for all their effort in trying to bring about an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and their generous $10 million donation in humanitarian aid.  

This senseless loss of civilian lives is shocking and horrific; the cycle of mutual threat and retaliation have no lasting effect except to reinforce the misery and insecurity of everyone in the region and is making the road to peace even more difficult. There is no military solution for either side in this conflict.  

Further acceleration of violence in recent days requires that our Government, together with other countries, redouble their efforts to bring about an immediate cessation of violence from both sides and a total lifting of the blockade so that humanitarian relief can immediately get to Gaza if we are to avoid further humanitarian disaster.

This crisis has shown us that the snail pace peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, is no longer acceptable. We look with great hope to the President Elect Obama’s government in the USA to give priority and impetus to resolving this long standing conflict.

The whole world needs this resolution so as to allow the future flourishing of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. There is enough good will in the world to achieve this. We would like 2009 to be the year of peace in the Middle East ."

Moved by Councillor Maryam khan

Passed unaminously by Manchester Labour Group