LFIU statement on promise of Gaza ceasefire

Labour for Irish Unity, having long demonstrated solidarity with the Palestinian people, wish to express our support for the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, hoping that the same cessation will be observed across all of historic Palestine and the surrounding territories. In order for a just and lasting peace to be achieved, this ceasefire has to be both sustained and sustainable. The slaughter of this past year and a quarter has been of the most brutal and indiscriminate nature imaginable, echoing some of the worst ethnic cleansing and colonial acts of recent human history. The rule of International Law and the ethical standards we in the West have long claimed to abide by have been completely sidelined. Any reputation the West might have had for impartiality and fair play has been thrashed completely in this time period. If we want to rebuild faith in Western aspirations, even if not actions, then our leaders, politicians and public representatives must work hard to sustain this peace, holding Israel and its leaders to account. We would ask the same of all sides and all parties to the conflict, just as we have done in trying to establish a just and lasting peace settlement in Ireland. There can be no return to the senseless violence we have witnessed not just on or since October 7th but over a long period of colonisation, occupation and dehumanisation of the Palestinians. There must be equity and fairness accorded to them as a people if there is to be a sustained and sustainable peace. We live in hope and express solidarity with all those who have helped make this a reality through the voice of protest and what ultimately, on the right side of history, will one day be seen as the true voice of reason.