In anticipation of the upcoming ‘March for Palestine’ in Swindon this afternoon, Andy Bentley, the local Green Party candidate for Swindon North, has joined the voices calling for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Bentley, in a statement supporting the event, emphasised the Green Party’s commitment to what is morally right.
“The Green Party will always stand up for what is right. Early in the current conflict, we condemned Hamas’s attacks and its seizure of hostages, and called for an immediate ceasefire to stop the loss of civilian lives. Although thousands more innocent men, women, and children have been killed since then, the UK government and official opposition remain inexplicably opposed to a ceasefire.”
Bentley expressed concern over the UK’s stance at the United Nations, where a decisive vote in favour of an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and adherence to international obligations to protect civilians took place. “It is shameful that the UK abstained.”
Highlighting recent events, Bentley referred to Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer’s visit to Bristol resident Wael Arafat, currently on a hunger strike in protest after his sister and her four children fell victim to an Israeli air strike. According to Bentley, both the Conservative government and the Labour opposition are not only overlooking Wael but also disregarding the overwhelming desire of the British public for a ceasefire in Israel-Palestine.
“Like me, most people recognise that bombing innocent men, women, and children will not solve anything in the long run. The world needs to come together urgently to work on a long-term solution for peace. History tells us that it will not be an easy task, but our politicians must stand up for what is right. The UK must put its full diplomatic and economic weight behind efforts to establish a viable two-state solution.”
Bentley underscored the significance of the ceasefire advocated by supporters of Swindon’s ‘March for Palestine.’ “The ceasefire that supporters of Swindon’s ‘March for Palestine’ are calling for is just the first step, but a vital one. The killing must stop, and the hostages must be freed.”
