Agenda item

5.1

Earlier in the meeting, prior to the commencement of item 5 on the agenda, it was - RESOLVED: On the motion of the Lord Mayor (Councillor Colin Ross), seconded by the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Jayne Dunn), that, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9.1, the order of business as published on the Council Summons be altered by taking item 8 on the agenda (Notice of Motion Regarding “Stopping Genocide in Gaza”) immediately after item 5 (Public Questions and Petitions).

5.2

It was moved by Councillor Alexi Dimond, and seconded by Councillor Maleiki Haybe, that this Council:-

(a)       notes:-

(i)         its unanimous vote in September 2019 to recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, the first Council to do so;

(ii)        that East Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Golan Heights and Gaza are illegally occupied by Israel; and that Gaza has been subject to 16 years of blockade;

(iii)       that the Israeli government has been withholding essential resources from Gaza and what UN Experts have described as “destroying or damaging homes, hospitals, markets and UN Reliefs and Works Agency (UNRWA)” and that Amnesty International has “documented unlawful Israeli attacks, including indiscriminate attacks, which caused mass civilian casualties and must be investigated as war crimes”;

(iv)       that under Article II of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, genocide is defined as certain acts “committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group” and that, under Article I, the UK has confirmed that genocide is a crime under international law which it undertakes to prevent and to punish;

(v)        the UK, at the UN Security Council on 18 October 2023, refused to vote for “humanitarian pauses” to deliver lifesaving aid to millions in Gaza; and

(vi)       Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, B’tselem and the South African government recognise that the state of Israel is enacting a system of apartheid;

(b)       believes:-

(i)         all atrocities committed against civilians must be condemned and investigated;

(ii)        all forms of racism, including anti-Palestinian racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in our city and condemns any attacks on Palestinian, Jewish or Muslim people;

(iii)       Sir Keir Starmer was wrong to say, in an interview with LBC radio, that Israel “does have that right” to withhold food, water and electricity from Gaza, and he should apologise and retract this statement supporting collective punishment;

(iv)       all political leaders have a responsibility to try to prevent genocide; and

(v)        the only one way to secure peace between Israelis and Palestinians is for a just political settlement based on the end of the occupation of Palestinian territories and an end to what one UN Special Rapporteur has described as “apartheid practices”, and another has described “settler-colonialism” and “ethnic cleansing”;

(c)        regrets flying the Israeli flag from the Town Hall; and

(d)       therefore resolves to:-

(i)         call upon the UK Government to:-

(i)         call for an immediate ceasefire and to vote for this at the UN;

(ii)        cease all arms sales to Israel and end military aid for Israel; and

(iii)       call on Israel to resume negotiations with the Palestinians;

(ii)        request that the Chief Executive submits this Motion to the UK Government; and

(iii)       request that the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee consider whether the Council should join the Sheffield Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid.

5.3

Whereupon, it was moved by Councillor Zahira Naz, and seconded by Councillor Abdul Khayum, as an amendment, that the Motion now submitted be amended by:-

1.         the addition of a new sub-paragraph (a)(iv) as follows and the re-lettering of original sub-paragraphs (a)(iv) to (vi) as new sub-paragraphs (a)(v) to (vii):-

(a)(iv)  Save The Children have highlighted that the number of children reported killed in Gaza in thelast three weeks has surpassed the annual number of children killed across the world's conflict zones since 2019;

2.         the substitution, in new sub-paragraph (a)(vii) [the original sub-paragraph (a)(vi)], of the words “Israeli Government” for the words “state of Israel”;

3.         the insertion, at the beginning of sub-paragraph (b)(i), of the words “there can be no justification for the loss of innocent lives, and”

4.         the addition of new sub-paragraphs (b)(ii) and (iii) as follows:-

(b)(ii)   that Hamas’ appalling murder of civilians in Israel must be unequivocally condemned, and we continue to call for the safe release of all hostages;

(iii)       that the Israeli Government's indiscriminate killing of Palestinian civilians must be unequivocally condemned;

5.         the re-lettering of original sub-paragraph (b)(ii) as a new sub-paragraph (b)(iv);

6.         the deletion of sub-paragraph (b)(iii);

7.         the addition of a new sub-paragraph (b)(v) as follows:-

(b)(v)   we must not allow these tragic events to divide our communities at home, and we understand and feel the pain of all people in Sheffield, especially the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities;

8.         the re-lettering of original sub-paragraph (b)(iv) as a new sub-paragraph (b)(vi);

9.         the deletion of sub-paragraph (b)(v);

10.       the addition of new sub-paragraphs (b)(vii) to (ix) as follows:-

(b)(vii)all UK political leaders must call upon the Israeli Government to ensure enough food, water, medicine and electricity is provided to Gaza, that there must be clear humanitarian corridors, and that all actors must follow and be held accountable under international law;

(viii)     every effort must be made by the international community to make a two-state solution a reality, which requires a commitment to a formal peace process, an end to the occupation and for all parties to follow international law, in order to bring peace to the region;

(ix)       that where Palestinians are forced to flee, they must not be permanently displaced from their homes, and calls on the UK Government to use all available pressure to ensure this;

11.       the deletion of paragraph (c) and the addition of a new paragraph (c) as follows:-

(c)        regrets any hurt caused by flying the Israeli flag from the Town Hall, and calls for a review of the Council’s flag-flying protocol;

12.       the addition of a new paragraph (d) as follows:-

(d)       regrets the UK Government’s abstention at the UN against supporting a sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities;

13.       the re-lettering of original paragraph (d) as a new paragraph (e); and

14.       the deletion of new sub-paragraph (e)(i)(iii) [the original sub-paragraph (d)(i)(iii)] and the addition of a new sub-paragraph (e)(i)(iii) as follows:-

(e)(i)(iii) make every effort to resume the peace process;

5.4

It was then moved by Councillor Penny Baker, and seconded by Councillor Andrew Sangar, as an amendment, that the Motion now submitted be amended by the deletion of all the words after the words “That this Council”, and the addition of new paragraphs (a) to (i) as follows:-

(a)       deeply regrets and condemns the tragic loss of civilian life in both the Hamas terrorist attacks on the 7^th of October and the ensuing bombardment of the Gaza strip by Israel;

(b)       notes that these horrific events have had a huge effect on many Sheffield citizens, in particular those with relatives and friends in the region;

(c)        calls for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages;

(d)       believes that:-

(i)         any state has a right to protect its citizens from attacks and terror, subject to international law;

(ii)        there is ultimately no military solution to this conflict;

(iii)       innocent Palestinians must not pay the price for Hamas atrocities; and

(iv)       the world has a duty to prevent civilian deaths;

(e)       condemns the decision by Israel to cut off essential supplies of water, food, and electricity, to the 2.2m residents of the Gaza strip;

(f)        condemns all hate crime against Palestinians, Israelis, Jewish or Muslim people;

(g)       welcomes the generous humanitarian fundraising from Sheffield communities over the last few days, in particular fundraising for aid to Gaza;

(h)       affirms its support for a two state solution and a lasting peace, which will allow the people of Israel and Palestine to live free from fear; and

(i)         resolves to call upon the UK Government to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, in order to facilitate an intense period of diplomacy, bring humanitarian aid into Gaza, and provide an opportunity to seek the immediate release of all Israeli hostages.

5.5

After contributions from eight other Members, and following a right of reply from Councillor Alexi Dimond, the amendment moved by Councillor Zahira Naz was put to the vote and was carried, but in part. Parts 1 to 5 and 7 to 14 of the amendment were carried, and Part 6 of the amendment was lost.

5.5.1

The votes on the Amendment were ordered to be recorded and were as follows:-

For Part 1 of the Amendment (75)

-

The Lord Mayor (Councillor Colin Ross), the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Jayne Dunn)  and Councillors Simon Clement-Jones, Richard Shaw, Sophie Thornton, Ian Horner, Kurtis Crossland, Ann Woolhouse, Denise Fox, Bryan Lodge, Karen McGowan, Angela Argenzio, Maleiki Haybe, Talib Hussain, Mark Jones, Safiya Saeed, Douglas Johnson, Martin Phipps, Tim Huggan, Minesh Parekh, Ruth Milsom, Mazher Iqbal, Mary Lea, Zahira Naz, Joe Otten, Robert Reiss, Craig Gamble Pugh, Alan Woodcock, Roger Davison, Barbara Masters, Shaffaq Mohammed, Fran Belbin, Abdul Khayum, Abtisam Mohamed, Sue Alston, Andrew Sangar, Alexi Dimond, Marieanne Elliot, Paul Turpin, Ian Auckland, Mohammed Mahroof, Steve Ayris, Christine Gilligan Kubo, Toby Mallinson, Henry Nottage, Sioned-Mair Richards, Terry Fox,  Laura Moynahan, Tony Downing, Glynis Chapman, Gail Smith, Ibby Ullah, Maroof Raouf, Nighat Basharat, Ben Miskell, Nabeela Mowlana, Sophie Wilson,David Barker, Dianne Hurst, Dawn Dale, Garry Weatherall, Tony Damms, Penny Baker, Richard Williams,Julie Grocutt, Janet Ridler, Laura McClean, Tom Hunt, Bernard Little, Alan Hooper, Mike Levery, Ann Whitaker, Mick Rooney, Alison Norris and Paul Wood.

Against Part 1 of the Amendment (1)

-

Councillor Lewis Chinchen.

Abstained from voting on Part 1 of the Amendment (0)

-

None.

For Parts 2, 9, 11 and 14 of the Amendment (62)

-

The Lord Mayor (Councillor Colin Ross), the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Jayne Dunn)  and Councillors Simon Clement-Jones, Richard Shaw, Sophie Thornton, Ian Horner, Kurtis Crossland, Ann Woolhouse, Denise Fox, Bryan Lodge, Karen McGowan, Talib Hussain, Mark Jones, Safiya Saeed, Tim Huggan, Minesh Parekh,Ruth Milsom, Mazher Iqbal, Mary Lea, Zahira Naz, Joe Otten, Robert Reiss, Craig Gamble Pugh, Alan Woodcock, Roger Davison, Barbara Masters, Shaffaq Mohammed, Fran Belbin, Abdul Khayum, Abtisam Mohamed, Sue Alston, Andrew Sangar, Ian Auckland, Mohammed Mahroof, Steve Ayris, Sioned-Mair Richards, Terry Fox,  Laura Moynahan, Tony Downing, Glynis Chapman, Gail Smith, Ibby Ullah, Nighat Basharat, Ben Miskell, Nabeela Mowlana, David Barker, Dianne Hurst, Dawn Dale, Garry Weatherall, Tony Damms, Penny Baker, Richard Williams, Julie Grocutt, Janet Ridler, Laura McClean, Tom Hunt, Alan Hooper, Mike Levery, Ann Whitaker, Mick Rooney, Alison Norris and Paul Wood.

Against Parts 2, 9, 11 and 14 of the Amendment (14)

-

Councillors Angela Argenzio, Maleiki Haybe, Douglas Johnson, Martin Phipps, Alexi Dimond, Marieanne Elliot, Paul Turpin, Christine Gilligan Kubo, Toby Mallinson, Henry Nottage, Maroof Raouf, Sophie Wilson,Lewis Chinchen and Bernard Little.

Abstained from voting on Parts 2, 9, 11 and 14 of the Amendment (0)

-

None.

For Part 3 and Part 10 (b) (vii) and (ix) of the Amendment (76)

-

The Lord Mayor (Councillor Colin Ross), the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Jayne Dunn)  and Councillors Simon Clement-Jones, Richard Shaw, Sophie Thornton, Ian Horner, Kurtis Crossland, Ann Woolhouse, Denise Fox, Bryan Lodge, Karen McGowan, Angela Argenzio, Maleiki Haybe, Talib Hussain, Mark Jones, Safiya Saeed, Douglas Johnson, Martin Phipps, Tim Huggan, Minesh Parekh, Ruth Milsom, Mazher Iqbal, Mary Lea, Zahira Naz, Joe Otten, Robert Reiss, Craig Gamble Pugh, Alan Woodcock, Roger Davison, Barbara Masters, Shaffaq Mohammed, Fran Belbin, Abdul Khayum, Abtisam Mohamed, Sue Alston, Andrew Sangar, Alexi Dimond, Marieanne Elliot, Paul Turpin, Ian Auckland, Mohammed Mahroof, Steve Ayris, Christine Gilligan Kubo, Toby Mallinson, Henry Nottage, Sioned-Mair Richards, Terry Fox,  Laura Moynahan, Tony Downing, Glynis Chapman, Gail Smith, Ibby Ullah, Maroof Raouf, Nighat Basharat, Ben Miskell, Nabeela Mowlana, Sophie Wilson,David Barker, Dianne Hurst, Dawn Dale, Garry Weatherall, Tony Damms, Penny Baker, Richard Williams,Lewis Chinchen, Julie Grocutt, Janet Ridler, Laura McClean, Tom Hunt, Bernard Little, Alan Hooper, Mike Levery, Ann Whitaker, Mick Rooney, Alison Norris and Paul Wood.

Against Part 3 and Part 10 (b) (vii) and (ix) of the Amendment (0)

-

None.

Abstained from voting on Part 3 and Part 10 (b) (vii) and (ix) of the Amendment (0)

-

None.

For Parts 4 and 7 of the Amendment (75)

-

The Lord Mayor (Councillor Colin Ross), the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Jayne Dunn)  and Councillors Simon Clement-Jones, Richard Shaw, Sophie Thornton, Ian Horner, Kurtis Crossland, Ann Woolhouse, Denise Fox, Bryan Lodge, Karen McGowan, Angela Argenzio, Maleiki Haybe, Talib Hussain, Mark Jones, Safiya Saeed, Douglas Johnson, Martin Phipps, Tim Huggan, Minesh Parekh, Ruth Milsom, Mazher Iqbal, Mary Lea, Zahira Naz, Joe Otten, Robert Reiss, Craig Gamble Pugh, Alan Woodcock, Roger Davison, Barbara Masters, Shaffaq Mohammed, Fran Belbin, Abdul Khayum, Abtisam Mohamed, Sue Alston, Andrew Sangar, Alexi Dimond, Marieanne Elliot, Paul Turpin, Ian Auckland, Mohammed Mahroof, Steve Ayris, Christine Gilligan Kubo, Toby Mallinson, Henry Nottage, Sioned-Mair Richards, Terry Fox,  Laura Moynahan, Tony Downing, Glynis Chapman, Gail Smith, Ibby Ullah, Maroof Raouf, Nighat Basharat, Ben Miskell, Nabeela Mowlana, David Barker, Dianne Hurst, Dawn Dale, Garry Weatherall, Tony Damms, Penny Baker, Richard Williams, Lewis Chinchen,Julie Grocutt, Janet Ridler, Laura McClean, Tom Hunt, Bernard Little, Alan Hooper, Mike Levery, Ann Whitaker, Mick Rooney, Alison Norris and Paul Wood.

Against Parts 4 and 7 of the Amendment (1)

-

Councillor Sophie Wilson.

Abstained from voting on Parts 4 and 7 of the Amendment (0)

-

None.

For Parts 5, 8, 12 and 13 of the Amendment (74)

-

The Lord Mayor (Councillor Colin Ross), the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Jayne Dunn)  and Councillors Simon Clement-Jones, Richard Shaw, Sophie Thornton, Ian Horner, Kurtis Crossland, Ann Woolhouse, Denise Fox, Bryan Lodge, Karen McGowan, Angela Argenzio, Maleiki Haybe, Talib Hussain, Mark Jones, Safiya Saeed, Douglas Johnson, Martin Phipps, Tim Huggan, Minesh Parekh, Ruth Milsom, Mazher Iqbal, Mary Lea, Zahira Naz, Joe Otten, Robert Reiss, Craig Gamble Pugh, Alan Woodcock, Roger Davison, Barbara Masters, Shaffaq Mohammed, Fran Belbin, Abdul Khayum, Abtisam Mohamed, Sue Alston, Andrew Sangar, Alexi Dimond, Marieanne Elliot, Paul Turpin, Ian Auckland, Mohammed Mahroof, Steve Ayris, Christine Gilligan Kubo, Toby Mallinson, Henry Nottage, Sioned-Mair Richards, Terry Fox,  Laura Moynahan, Tony Downing, Glynis Chapman, Gail Smith, Ibby Ullah, Maroof Raouf, Nighat Basharat, Ben Miskell, Nabeela Mowlana, David Barker, Dianne Hurst, Dawn Dale, Garry Weatherall, Tony Damms, Penny Baker, Richard Williams, Julie Grocutt, Janet Ridler, Laura McClean, Tom Hunt, Bernard Little, Alan Hooper, Mike Levery, Ann Whitaker, Mick Rooney, Alison Norris and Paul Wood.

Against Parts 5, 8, 12 and 13 of the Amendment (2)

-

Councillors Sophie Wilson and Lewis Chinchen.

Abstained from voting on Parts 5, 8, 12 and 13 of the Amendment (0)

-

None.

For Part 6 of the Amendment (36)

-

The Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Jayne Dunn)  and Councillors Denise Fox, Bryan Lodge, Karen McGowan, Talib Hussain, Mark Jones, Safiya Saeed, Minesh Parekh,Ruth Milsom, Mazher Iqbal, Mary Lea, Zahira Naz, Craig Gamble Pugh, Fran Belbin, Abdul Khayum, Abtisam Mohamed, Sioned-Mair Richards, Terry Fox,  Laura Moynahan, Tony Downing, Ibby Ullah, Nighat Basharat, Ben Miskell, Nabeela Mowlana, David Barker, Dianne Hurst, Dawn Dale, Garry Weatherall, Tony Damms, Julie Grocutt, Janet Ridler, Laura McClean, Tom Hunt, Mick Rooney, Alison Norris and Paul Wood.

Against Part 6 of the Amendment (40)

-

The Lord Mayor (Councillor Colin Ross) and Councillors Simon Clement-Jones, Richard Shaw, Sophie Thornton, Ian Horner, Kurtis Crossland, Ann Woolhouse, Angela Argenzio, Maleiki Haybe, Douglas Johnson, Martin Phipps, Tim Huggan, Joe Otten, Robert Reiss, Alan Woodcock, Roger Davison, Barbara Masters, Shaffaq Mohammed, Sue Alston, Andrew Sangar, Alexi Dimond, Marieanne Elliot, Paul Turpin, Ian Auckland, Mohammed Mahroof, Steve Ayris, Christine Gilligan Kubo, Toby Mallinson, Henry Nottage, Glynis Chapman, Gail Smith, Maroof Raouf, Sophie Wilson, Penny Baker, Richard Williams, Lewis Chinchen,Bernard Little, Alan Hooper, Mike Levery and Ann Whitaker.

Abstained from voting on Part 6 of the Amendment (0)

-

None.

For Part 10 (b) (viii) of the Amendment (64)

-

The Lord Mayor (Councillor Colin Ross), the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Jayne Dunn)  and Councillors Simon Clement-Jones, Richard Shaw, Sophie Thornton, Ian Horner, Kurtis Crossland, Ann Woolhouse, Denise Fox, Bryan Lodge, Karen McGowan, Talib Hussain, Mark Jones, Safiya Saeed, Tim Huggan, Minesh Parekh,Ruth Milsom, Mazher Iqbal, Mary Lea, Zahira Naz, Joe Otten, Robert Reiss, Craig Gamble Pugh, Alan Woodcock, Roger Davison, Barbara Masters, Shaffaq Mohammed, Fran Belbin, Abdul Khayum, Abtisam Mohamed, Sue Alston, Andrew Sangar, Ian Auckland, Mohammed Mahroof, Steve Ayris, Sioned-Mair Richards, Terry Fox,  Laura Moynahan, Tony Downing, Glynis Chapman, Gail Smith, Ibby Ullah, Nighat Basharat, Ben Miskell, Nabeela Mowlana, Sophie Wilson,David Barker, Dianne Hurst, Dawn Dale, Garry Weatherall, Tony Damms, Penny Baker, Richard Williams,Lewis Chinchen, Julie Grocutt, Janet Ridler, Laura McClean, Tom Hunt, Alan Hooper, Mike Levery, Ann Whitaker, Mick Rooney, Alison Norris and Paul Wood.

Against Part 10 (b) (viii) of the Amendment (12)

-

Councillors Angela Argenzio, Maleiki Haybe, Douglas Johnson, Martin Phipps, Alexi Dimond, Marieanne Elliot, Paul Turpin, Christine Gilligan Kubo, Toby Mallinson, Henry Nottage, Maroof Raouf and Bernard Little.

Abstained from voting on Part 10 (b) (viii) of the Amendment (0)

-

None.

5.6

The amendment moved by Councillor Penny Baker was then put to the vote and was carried, on the basis that the content was to be additional paragraphs to the Substantive Motion, not as a ‘delete all’ of the original Motion.

5.6.1

(NOTE: The result of the vote was FOR - 62 Members; AGAINST - 13 Members; ABSTENTIONS – 0 Member. Although Labour Group Members voted for the amendment, it was on the basis that the content was to be additional paragraphs to the Substantive Motion, not as a ‘delete all’ of the original Motion. Although Councillor Lewis Chinchen voted for, he abstained on paragraph (i) of the amendment.)

5.7

The original Motion, as amended, was then put as a Substantive Motion in the following form and carried:-

RESOLVED: That this Council:-

(a)       notes:-

(i)         its unanimous vote in September 2019 to recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, the first Council to do so;

(ii)        that East Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Golan Heights and Gaza are illegally occupied by Israel; and that Gaza has been subject to 16 years of blockade;

(iii)       that the Israeli Government has been withholding essential resources from Gaza and what UN Experts have described as “destroying or damaging homes, hospitals, markets and UN Reliefs and Works Agency (UNRWA)” and that Amnesty International has “documented unlawful Israeli attacks, including indiscriminate attacks, which caused mass civilian casualties and must be investigated as war crimes”;

(iv)       Save The Children have highlighted that the number of children reported killed in Gaza in the last three weeks has surpassed the annual number of children killed across the world's conflict zones since 2019;

(v)        that under Article II of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, genocide is defined as certain acts “committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group” and that, under Article I, the UK has confirmed that genocide is a crime under international law which it undertakes to prevent and to punish;

(vi)       the UK, at the UN Security Council on 18 October 2023, refused to vote for “humanitarian pauses” to deliver lifesaving aid to millions in Gaza; and

(vii)      Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, B’tselem and the South African government recognise that the Israeli Government is enacting a system of apartheid;

(b)       deeply regrets and condemns the tragic loss of civilian life in both the Hamas terrorist attacks on the 7th of October and the ensuing bombardment of the Gaza strip by Israel;

(c)        notes that these horrific events have had a huge effect on many Sheffield citizens, in particular those with relatives and friends in the region;

(d)       calls for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages;

(e)       believes:-

(i)         there can be no justification for the loss of innocent lives, and all atrocities committed against civilians must be condemned and investigated;

(ii)        that Hamas’ appalling murder of civilians in Israel must be unequivocally condemned, and we continue to call for the safe release of all hostages;

(iii)       that the Israeli Government's indiscriminate killing of Palestinian civilians must be unequivocally condemned;

(iv)       all forms of racism, including anti-Palestinian racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in our city and condemns any attacks on Palestinian, Jewish or Muslim people;

(v)        Sir Keir Starmer was wrong to say, in an interview with LBC radio, that Israel “does have that right” to withhold food, water and electricity from Gaza, and he should apologise and retract this statement supporting collective punishment;

(vi)       we must not allow these tragic events to divide our communities at home, and we understand and feel the pain of all people in Sheffield, especially the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities;

(vii)      all political leaders have a responsibility to try to prevent genocide;

(viii)     all UK political leaders must call upon the Israeli Government to ensure enough food, water, medicine and electricity is provided to Gaza, that there must be clear humanitarian corridors, and that all actors must follow and be held accountable under international law;

(ix)       every effort must be made by the international community to make a two-state solution a reality, which requires a commitment to a formal peace process, an end to the occupation and for all parties to follow international law, in order to bring peace to the region;

(x)        that where Palestinians are forced to flee, they must not be permanently displaced from their homes, and calls on the UK Government to use all available pressure to ensure this;

(xi)       any state has a right to protect its citizens from attacks and terror, subject to international law;

(xii)      there is ultimately no military solution to this conflict;

(xiii)     innocent Palestinians must not pay the price for Hamas atrocities; and

(xiv)     the world has a duty to prevent civilian deaths;

(f)        regrets any hurt caused by flying the Israeli flag from the Town Hall, and calls for a review of the Council’s flag-flying protocol;

(g)       regrets the UK Government’s abstention at the UN against supporting a sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities;

(h)       condemns the decision by Israel to cut off essential supplies of water, food, and electricity, to the 2.2m residents of the Gaza strip;

(i)         condemns all hate crime against Palestinians, Israelis, Jewish or Muslim people;

(j)         welcomes the generous humanitarian fundraising from Sheffield communities over the last few days, in particular fundraising for aid to Gaza;

(k)        affirms its support for a two state solution and a lasting peace, which will allow the people of Israel and Palestine to live free from fear; and

(l)         therefore resolves to:-

(i)         call upon the UK Government to:-

(A)       call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, in order to facilitate an intense period of diplomacy, bring humanitarian aid into Gaza, and provide an opportunity to seek the immediate release of all Israeli hostages;

(B)       call for an immediate ceasefire and to vote for this at the UN;

(C)       cease all arms sales to Israel and end military aid for Israel; and

(D)       make every effort to resume the peace process;

(ii)        request that the Chief Executive submits this Motion to the UK Government; and

(iii)       request that the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee consider whether the Council should join the Sheffield Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid.

5.7.1

(NOTE: 1. The result of the vote was FOR - 75 Members; AGAINST - 1 Member; ABSTENTIONS – 0 Members. Although Labour Group Members voted for, they voted against sub-paragraph (e)(v) of the Substantive Motion. Although Green Group Members voted for, they voted against paragraphs (b) to (d), sub-paragraphs (e)(ix) and (xi) to (xiv), paragraphs (f) and (h) to (k) and sub-paragraphs (l)(i)(A) and (D) of the Substantive Motion. Although Sheffield Community Councillors Group Members voted for, they voted against sub-paragraph (l)(iii) of the Substantive Motion. Although Councillor Lewis Chinchen voted against, he voted for paragraphs (b) to (e) and (h) to (k) of the Substantive Motion and abstained from voting on paragraph (l)(i)(A) of the Substantive Motion. Although Councillor Sophie Wilson voted for, she voted against paragraphs (b) to (d), sub-paragraphs (e)(ii), (iii), (vi) and (xi) to (xiv), paragraphs (f) to (k), and sub-paragraphs (l)(i)(A) and (D) of the Substantive Motion.)

2. The Lord Mayor (Councillor Colin Ross) used his discretion, as chair of the meeting, to permit several Members to speak on the debate, beyond the standard 25-minute time limit allocated for the item of business.)