HASTINGS AND DISTRICT PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN Previous statement by Hastings PSC on the decision not to put Gaza motion on the agenda. Statement from Hastings Jews for Justice. There was widespread coverage in national and local press after we released our press release: itvNEWS, The Independent, Evening Standard, Kent Online Times, The Canary. Photo (below): Our protest outside the full Council meeting. Press release 21 November 2024. HASTINGS PALESTINE GROUP WELCOMES STAND BY LOCAL LABOUR GROUP TO STOP ARMING ISRAEL The Green Leader of Hastings Council, Julia Hilton, opened the full council meeting last night [Wednesday 20 November] by reading out a letter to the Prime Minister demanding decisive action to stop arming Israel and uphold international law. The letter, which was supported by the Green and Labour groups on Hastings Council, as well as the Labour Mayor, came after a week of sustained pressure, including a protest by the Hastings & District Palestine Solidarity Campaign outside the council meeting, because a motion on Gaza had been blocked from the agenda for the fourth time in a year by council officials and the mayor. The letter called on the Prime Minister Keir Starmer to 'advocate for a multilateral ceasefire to halt the bloodshed and establish a foundation for lasting peace in the region' and to 'cease arms exports to any party involved in the conflict and prioritise humanitarian assistance to alleviate suffering.' It also urged the Prime Minister to uphold International Law by making use of 'all diplomatic and legal measures to ensure accountability for violations of international law and to defend the principles of justice.' Council Leader Julia Hilton read: 'Our connection to the region is profound. For over three years, Hastings has nurtured a friendship link with the community of Al-Mawasi in Gaza. This relationship has facilitated cultural exchange and provided much-needed humanitarian aid. In the wake of the recent bombings, our commitment to Al-Mawasi has only deepened, as we strive to support our friends in their time of need.' She concluded: 'Britain must stand firmly on the side of humanity, justice, and peace, offering hope to the people of Gaza and beyond. Let our community in Hastings inspire the nation to build bridges, not walls, and to seek unity where there is division.' It was anticipated that the letter, initiated by the Greens, would be signed by the leaders of all the groups on the council, but at the time of writing it had only gained support from the Labour group. Laurie Holden, Secretary of the Hastings & District PSC said: 'We have been urging our political leaders to give voice to the strong feelings in our town ever since Israel began its genocidal campaign in Gaza over 13 months ago, so we wholeheartedly welcome this letter from the Council leader and the local Labour group, urging our government to stop arming Israel and acknowledging the deep and unique bonds between our town and the people of Al Mawasi. 'Though it is no substitute for the democratic process of discussing and voting on a motion to establish an official council position, it does mean that we heard the Labour group in Hastings finally urging an end to arms sales to Israel and we hope that we will now see our local Labour MP Helena Dollimore do the same and use her influence in government to push for a full UK arms embargo on Israel. 'We are watching a people being exterminated in front of our eyes with weapons and technology we are exporting - some even made here in Hastings at the General Dynamic arms factory. We will keep up the pressure to ensure our local representatives take a public and decisive stand against genocide, against apartheid and for the rights and dignity of Palestinians.' 21 November 2024 ............................................................ Keep up to date with the Hastings and District PSC website and social media: Website      Facebook      Twitter      Instagram      YouTube Channel      TikTok.