CALLS grew for the Welsh government to lend its weight in favour of a ceasefire in Gaza at the weekend.

Flintshire County Labour councillor Sam Swash has urged fellow councillors to sign a pro-peace letter agreed with the Muslim Council of Wales.

“The Welsh and British public overwhelmingly support calls for a ceasefire, yet our national political leadership is choosing to instead remain complicit with the siege and occupation of Gaza,” Mr Swash told the Morning Star.

“Unlike them, Welsh councillors, by signing our public letter, are showing that they wholeheartedly oppose war crimes and stand with the British public in solidarity with the Palestinian people. 

“It is incumbent on all politicians to use their platform to call for an immediate ceasefire.”

Cllr Swash is also a member of the socialist group Welsh Labour Grassroots, which helped to co-ordinate the letter.

Muslim Council of Wales secretary-general Abdul Azim wrote to Senedd First Minister Mark Drakeford yesterday, calling on him to put clear red water between Wales and UK Labour.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has also added his voice for an immediate, ceasefire putting further pressure on the First Minister to echo the positions of Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The pressure for Labour leaders in Wales increased, with over a third of Senedd members joining ceasefire calls and with a motion proposed by Plaid Cymru.

“As the attacks on Gaza intensify, the humanitarian situation becomes even more desperate,” Mr ap Iorwerth said.

“An immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, safe aid corridors, and the restoration of vital communications channels must be the priority and I urge all parties in the UK to unite behind this call.”

Palestine Solidarity Campaign Cymru has urged members to back calls for an immediate ceasefire and write to their Senedd members to back these calls and an end to the siege of Gaza.

PSC honorary president Betty Hunter said: “The call for an immediate ceasefire and lifting the siege is the only honourable one for people of conscience.

“We expect our Welsh politicians to make this call in the name of humanity.”