The Fire Brigades Union executive council today approved the following statement in relation to the situation in Israel and Gaza.
The House of Commons is expected to vote on amendments calling for a ceasefire this evening.
The FBU calls on the UK Government, Labour Party leadership and all MPs to support any selected amendments to the King’s Speech that clearly call for an immediate ceasefire.
The FBU continues to be appalled by recent events in Israel and Palestine, by the escalating violence and by the appalling loss of civilian life. We utterly condemn the loss of civilian life in the Hamas attacks of 7 October and call for the immediate and safe release of all hostages held in Gaza.
We send our condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
We send our heartfelt solidarity to firefighters, medical staff and other emergency service workers or volunteers, delivering humanitarian service in the most horrendous conditions. We will seek to build support and send practical solidarity where possible.
More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in the past month including more than 4,000 children. The UN Secretary General stated that Gaza was becoming "a graveyard for children." This slaughter must stop; Support the call for an immediate ceasefire.
