They are also asking Policy & Resources to back a ceasefire in Gaza and the recognition of a Palestinian state.
The lead signatory on a letter sent to P&R president Lindsay de Sausmarez over the weekend, David Dorrity, criticised ‘a vacuum left by Guernsey’s failure to comment’, after Jersey went public on its position in an open letter to the UK Foreign Secretary last Tuesday.
Deputy Dorrity’s letter has also been signed by Deputies Tina Bury, Andrew Niles, Neil Inder, Marc Leadbeater, Jennifer Strachan, Rhona Humphries, Haley Camp, Garry Collins, Jayne Ozanne, Andy Cameron and Marc Laine.
‘As civilians, and in particular children, continue to suffer the devastating effects of ongoing conflict and siege, we implore you, as a respected leader of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, to lend your voice to calls for justice, peace and decisive action,’ they said.
‘Guernsey has a proud history of standing up for humanitarian values, especially in times of profound injustice. While we may not have direct responsibility for foreign policy, we do have a moral voice.
‘As chief minister, you are in a unique position to convey the deep concern felt by many islanders and to call for urgent action.’
The Guernsey Press asked for P&R’s views last Tuesday, including whether it was intending to follow Jersey’s lead in writing to the UK Government, but received no reply before the 12 deputies submitted their letter.
The committee is due to meet tomorrow and, after receiving her colleagues’ letter, Deputy de Sausmarez said she would ensure the matter was on the agenda.
‘It is an important matter and as such deserves proper consideration,’ she said.
Deputy Dorrity said the people of Guernsey were appalled by the images of starving children in Gaza and were looking to the States to express their views to Westminster.
He believed the island would be proud to see its political leaders take a principled stand on an urgent global challenge.
‘We ask you to advocate for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, full and unimpeded humanitarian access to the region, and the rapid recognition of Palestinian statehood as a step toward a lasting and just peace,’ said the deputies in their letter.
‘This is not about politics. It is about lives. It is about whether the international community, including places like Guernsey, can find the courage to speak out clearly and consistently in defence of those who have no voice.’
Israel launched an offensive in Gaza nearly two years ago after Hamas, the militant group which has governed the area since 2007, launched a surprise attack on Israeli territory which killed hundreds of civilians.
The Health Ministry in Gaza estimates that more than 60,000 people have been killed in the offensive and the United Nations has said that parts of the area are now suffering from famine.
The 12 deputies said people in Gaza had been abandoned by the international community and subjected to collective punishment in violation of international law.
Previous requests by deputies for the States to speak out on international conflicts have usually been rejected by the senior committee.
Earlier in the Israel-Gaza conflict, the previous P&R said it was important to maintain the convention of Guernsey not making statements on international matters which contradicted the UK’s position.
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