PEACE campaigners in Wales today called on Labour’s two candidates in the election to replace Mark Drakeford as first minister to put a ceasefire in Gaza at the top of their agenda.
Cardiff Stop the War, supported by Cardiff Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stand up 4 Palestine and Black Lives Matter Cardiff, has sent a nine-point document to Vaughan Gething and Jeremy Miles urging them to pledge to take immediate action.
The nine pledges range from asking the Welsh government to join countries in demanding an immediate ceasefire; ditching Israeli-linked arms manufacturing in favour of green jobs; and a nation-to-nation twinning of Wales and Palestine to bring together people and cultural institutions from both nations.
Stop the War Cymru’s co-chair Libby Nolan said: “The Senedd voted for an immediate ceasefire on November 8 and we urge the next first minister to demand an end to the slaughter in Gaza.
“The people of Wales want its government to join the calls for peace, especially since the South African government’s case to the International Court of Justice.”
Qasim Falasteen, from Stand up 4 Palestine, said: “The Welsh public should get a first minister that is passionate about peace and justice for all and who will represent the views of the wider public.”
Leadership hopeful Mr Miles said: “I want to see an immediate end to violence, a permanent ceasefire with the release of hostages, and provision of aid.
“The international community must redouble its efforts to help bring about a two-state solution — it is essential we hold out hope for a route to an internationally recognised Palestinian state and security for Israel.”
Mr Gething said: “The dire situation in Gaza must not continue. We need to see a sustainable ceasefire, with a surge of humanitarian aid reaching those in need.
“The rise in antisemitic hate crimes and islamophobia reported since the beginning of the conflict is extremely concerning. I have met with Muslim and Jewish communities in Cardiff to listen to their concerns. Hate and division can have no place in Wales.”
