SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has challenged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ensure the UK backs the United Nations’ call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday Mr Eastwood asked the PM would the UK’s representative vote in favour of the next UN resolution on a ceasefire.

The UK abstained on the last UN vote.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said:

“In the week of the anniversary of Bloody Sunday people in Derry are horrified to be watching unarmed Palestinians gunned down by Israeli soldiers. Whole families have been ripped apart, lives destroyed and people scattered with their homes and communities reduced to rubble.

“Over 25,000 people have now been slaughtered in Gaza, we cannot sit by and watch as the death toll climbs higher and higher. World leaders have a duty to do everything within their power to call for a ceasefire and advance peace. The Prime Minister has said repeatedly that he wants to see a ceasefire and he must ensure that when the issue next comes before the UN that the UK votes in favour of it. There cannot be any room for doubt.

“People around the world are in a state of disbelief that the dire situation in the Middle East has been allowed to drag on for so long. If we are ever to achieve a sustainable peace in the region then we need to see a ceasefire, the release of hostages and immediate humanitarian aid. Anything less will lead to further death and suffering for the Palestinian people who have been left in a living hell since this conflict began.”