Peredur Owen Griffiths has sought cross-party support to condemn the continued bloodshed in Gaza.

The Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales East has co-tabled a motion with cross-party support that also acknowledges South Africa’s action against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for violation of the 1948 genocide convention.

The Senedd Statement of Opinion was published in the same week that Plaid Cymru MPs tabled a motion in Westminster welcoming South Africa’s case and urging the UK Government to carefully consider its argument.

Liz Saville Roberts MP said: “This hearing should serve as a wake-up call to those Western governments who have permitted Israel a carte blanche in its military response.

“South Africa presented a compelling case, asserting that Israel is failing to prevent genocide and violating the genocide convention—a matter that the UK Government must carefully consider.” 

Peredur’s motion, which was co-tabled with Jane Dodds and John Griffiths, reads:

This Senedd:

1. Recognises the continuing violence in Gaza which has resulted in over 22,000 deaths.
2. Welcomes South Africa’s request for provisional measures by the International Court of Justice to prevent acts of genocide.
3. Urges the UK Government to uphold their duty to prevent genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention and actively avoid complicity.
4. Continues to support those in Welsh society calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and an end to the siege.
5. Calls upon Israel to observe any resulting binding ‘provisional measures’ aimed at protecting the human rights of Palestinians, including the cessation of fire.

If you would like to see who has supported the Statement of Opinion, click this link.

Peredur said: “When Plaid Cymru presented a compelling case in the Senedd for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, it provided an opportunity for Wales to send a clear message that the bloodshed should stop.

“Unfortunately, Israel has continued with its military actions, leading to the deaths of more than 23,000 people. Many of the deaths are children which is utterly heartbreaking.

“Plaid Cymru believes that it is time for the international community to step up and be bolder in condemning what is happening in Gaza.

“Speaking to people with relatives out there, they say what is happening in Gaza is much worse than what we are seeing reported in the newspapers or on our tv screens.

“The case that South Africa has presented in the ICJ is thorough and compelling. I hope that this will bring about a swift end to the bloodshed that has marked the region since the Hamas attack on October 7^th.”

If you want to support Plaid Cymru and Peredur, please click this link.