Oxfam reaction to UK parliament no vote on ceasefire

“History will remember that UK Parliament lacked the moral courage to send a clear message that the suffering of civilians must stop. MPs’ failure to back a ceasefire is a stain on British politics. We thank the MPs who, despite the absence of party leadership, voted with their consciences – nearly 80 per cent of the UK public agree with you.

“A ceasefire is a matter of life or death for Palestinians and potentially Israeli hostages trapped in Gaza’s apocalyptic nightmare. A vote in favour would have sent a strong message to the Israeli government that their disproportionate military campaign must stop. Instead, families in Gaza have received the news loud and clear that there is no British political leadership calling for their protection.

“An immediate ceasefire is the only answer to ending the bloodshed; a humanitarian pause is woefully insufficient, will not allow aid to reach all those who need it and will not keep civilians safe.”

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For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact: Sarah Dransfield in the Oxfam Press Office on: sdransfield@oxfam.org.uk / 077884 114825