Senedd backs motion calling for immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel

Members of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) have thrown their weight behind Plaid Cymru's motion demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.

The voting results, which saw 24 members voting in favor of the ceasefire, with 13 abstentions and 19 members against the motion, were met with cheers and applause.

Notably, the Welsh Government chose to abstain from the voting, while Labour backbench members were allowed a free vote.

Members of the Senedd who represent Newtown voted as follows:

• Russell George MS (Conservative) - Against
• Jane Dodds MS (Liberal Democrat) - For
• Cefin Cambell MS (Plaid Cymru) - For
• Eluned Morgan MS (Labour) - Abstain
• Joyce Watson MS (Labour) - For

Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS commended the Senedd for standing up "in the cause of humanity" and thanked members from Labour and the Liberal Democrats who supported the motion. Mr. ap Iorwerth emphasized that the vote was a powerful statement for peace made by the people of Wales.

After the debate, he stated,

"We are at our best as parliamentarians when we speak with a united voice."

"Sadly, for too many today, we are also a voice for the voiceless."

"It is in that spirit that we sought cross-party support for this motion with a clear and unequivocal call for a ceasefire from both sides as a precursor to peace talks, an immediate and lasting end to the violence and death of civilians in Israel and Palestine, and a global effort to ease the humanitarian suffering in Gaza."

The decision to support the immediate ceasefire motion has been welcomed by local charity Save the Children Cymru, who stressed the urgent need for action.