A Plaid Cymru MS has called on the Labour Government to ramp up its opposition to the war in Gaza.

Peredur Owen Griffiths said it was time for the government to “be clear and determined in its opposition to the ongoing aggression in Gaza.”

The MS for South Wales East was speaking in a short debate he brought to the Senedd which also featured contribution from Plaid Cymru colleagues Rhun ap Iorwerth, Sioned Williams and  Mabon ap Gwynfor.

In the debate, entitled ‘Gaza - a Welsh response,’ Peredur described the brutal conditions for millions of Gazans.

He said: “According to Al Jazeera, the latest death toll stands at 1,139 people in Israel and 34,979 Palestinians killed since October 7.

“In reality, the death toll is likely to be much higher as more and more bodies are pulled out of the rubble and the grim discovery of mass graves at two different burial sites outside the Nasser and al-Shifa hospitals where 390 bodies were recovered.

“This is devastation and sorrow on an unimaginable scale. Quite frankly, it is hard to talk about and it is hard to watch.

“But talk about it, we must. We must bear witness.  And many have felt called to action.

“In Wales, the response from a large number of people to these horrors has been clear: Not. In. My. Name.”

He added: “To stand by, watch and do nothing is not an option when the consequences of Israel’s incursion into Gaza are so grave.

“I have been there on the marches, the rallies and at the fundraisers. I have witnessed the passion from people who just want better from this world.

“Has that passion and determination been matched by our Government? Sadly, it has not.

“I was surprised last week when the First Minister - said to me that, and I quote, “It’s been the position of the Welsh Government for some time there should be an immediate ceasefire.”

“Now this was news to me. It was also news to my colleagues and it was news to the anti-war campaigners I am in touch with.

“Because when the Plaid Cymru ceasefire motion was brought to the Senedd, all government ministers abstained.

“I am still waiting for clarification from the First Minister on when that position changed and how it was communicated.

“What is concerning is how nobody knew anything about it.”

Peredur concluded his speech by saying: “After more than six months since the launch of the Israeli offensive, sanctions are long overdue.

“Stopping armed shipments are long overdue. Divestment of firms and pension schemes fuelling or sustaining this conflict is long overdue.

“The whole region is on the brink of a war that is much bigger than what we are currently seeing. That has to be stopped before it goes any further.

“It is incumbent on the international community to reflect the views of the people they serve and say that “enough is enough.”

“Wales can play its part in that effort. I am calling on this Labour Government to be clear and determined in its opposition to the ongoing aggression in Gaza. 

“That begins with a clear call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, which will allow the enormous humanitarian operation to take place.

“This needs to happen for the sake of the people of Gaza.

“It needs to happen for the sake of the hostages who are still being held.

“And it needs to happen for the sake of peace and humanity.”

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