Ealing Friends of Palestine and Ealing Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) have successfully gathered over 4,000 signatures in support of a petition urging Ealing Council to take action on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The petition, which includes 627 eSignatures and over 3,800 in-person signatures, will be debated during the Council meeting on Tuesday, 10th December 2024, at 7 PM.
Ahead of the debate, a demonstration is planned from 6 PM outside Ealing Council’s offices at Percival House (14-16 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2HL).
Petition Demands
The petition calls on Ealing Council to provide the same level of support for Palestinian refugees as it has extended to Ukrainian refugees. It outlines four key demands:
- Call for Sanctions and Safe Passage: Write to the Home Secretary urging sanctions on Israel and support for safe passage for Palestinian refugees, mirroring the council’s support for Ukrainian refugees in March 2022.
- Dedicated Resources: Create web resources on the Council’s portal detailing support for Palestinian refugees, similar to those provided for Ukrainians.
- Ceasefire Motion: Propose and endorse motions calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and compliance with International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders, alongside a suspension of UK arms trade with Israel.
- Divestment: Commit to divesting pension funds and avoiding procurement contracts with companies involved in the arms trade with Israel or complicit in human rights violations against Palestinians.
Background and Context
The campaign highlights Ealing Council’s swift mobilization for Ukrainian refugees in 2022, emphasizing that similar efforts are needed to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations has identified the situation in Gaza as the most devastating humanitarian crisis for children in recent years, with widespread famine and violations of international law.
The petition draws attention to precedents set by other councils, such as Preston, Cambridge City, and Bradford, which have passed motions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
PSC’s Open Letter to Ealing Councillors
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s West London branch has also issued an open letter to Ealing Council Leader Peter Mason and councillors, reiterating the urgency of the situation. The letter calls for decisive action to support civilians in Gaza and accuses the Israeli state of undermining international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.
The letter states:
“This is a historical moment for international law and humanitarian protections. We ask that Ealing Council act to ensure it is not complicit in the ongoing violations of these principles.”
Council Response Pending
Ealing Council and its leader, Peter Mason, have yet to respond to the petition or the open letter. The campaigners suggest that the Council’s response—or lack thereof—could influence public opinion ahead of the next local elections.
This debate represents a critical opportunity for the Council to address widespread community concerns and reaffirm its commitment to inclusivity and humanitarian principles.
Event Details
- Demonstration: 6 PM, Tuesday, 10th December 2024
- Council Meeting and Petition Debate: 7 PM
- Location: Ealing Council, Percival House, 14-16 Uxbridge Rd, London W5 2HL
The community awaits the outcome with anticipation, as the petition highlights growing calls for justice and equality in Ealing and beyond.
