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RESOLVED:
The Mayor ruled that in
accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972
the Council would debate an urgent motion as the motion deadline
fell before the outbreak of war in Israel and Gaza

1.      That this
Council:
a)           
expresses the deepest sympathy for all those in
Israel affected by the Hamas terrorist attack on innocent men,
women and children;
b)           
condemns the actions of Hamas and expresses total
revulsion at the crimes that have been committed in the name of
Palestinians; and
c)            
re-affirms our unbreakable belief that Israel has
the right to exist as a peaceful democratic state in the Middle
East without the constant threat of terrorist action and violence
from those who do not believe that a state of Israel should exist
and wish to eliminate all Jews from the region.

2.      That this Council believes
that:
a)           
Israel has a right to defend itself and take any
action necessary to destroy Hamas, and any terrorist group, that
commits crimes against civilians and bring perpetrators to
justice;
b)           
all actions should be in accordance with
International Law, protecting civilians from harm and providing aid
and refuge to innocent people; and
c)            
democracies distinguish themselves from terrorists
and dictatorships by observing the rule of law at all times,
respecting human rights and protecting civilians from
harm.

3.      That this Council further
believes that:
a)           
the only viable long-term solution for peace is a
two-state solution with a secure Israel and viable state of
Palestine;
b)           
terrorist acts do not further this aim;
c)            
the government of Israel should re-establish
meaningful dialogue with the democratic institutions of the
Palestinian Authority and establish a pathway to a lasting peace
settlement;
d)           
all surrounding states and the International
community have an equal obligation and duty to ensure a peaceful
and stable region; and
e)           
we support the work in Milton Keynes of
organisations such as the Council of Faiths to bring people from
all backgrounds together to further the objectives of peace and
understanding.