Hertfordshire County Council Response to Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Herts County Hall

Hertfordshire County Councillors unanimously agreed a cross-party motion at a meeting of Full Council yesterday (Tuesday 17 October) setting out the County Council’s position on the situation in Israel and Gaza.

The motion was moved by Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, and seconded by Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Steve Jarvis, Labour Group Leader Cllr Nigel Bell and Green & Independent Group Leader Cllr Ben Crystall.

They shared the Council’s deep shock and sadness at the terrorist outrage perpetrated on innocent Israeli citizens last week and how thoughts and deepest sympathies are with all those caught up in the escalating violence, including many Hertfordshire residents who have family, friends and loved ones in these areas.

In addition, the motion outlined how the Council has resolved to express solidarity with the innocent people directly affected by the ongoing situation in Israel and Gaza  and to support good relations between our own Hertfordshire communities at this time of international tension, with a focus on maintaining community cohesion. It was agreed unanimously by all county councillors present.

During the debate members from all parties reflected on the violence impacting innocent civilians in Israel and Gaza and how Hertfordshire communities may be concerned or directly impacted.

Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council and Conservative Group Leader, said: ‘Our thoughts must be with the innocents who lost their lives, who are still losing their lives. We must also reflect on the long and strong connections that exist between communities in Hertfordshire and those in Israel and Gaza, who are worried and traumatised by these events and will be for years to come. Speaking about this in the chamber is recognition that we all care deeply about our residents and their families, and that they will need our ongoing compassion and support.’

Cllr Steve Jarvis, Liberal Democrat Group Leader, said: ‘Both collectively as a County Council and individually as Leaders of our communities, it is important that we should work to ensure that the terrible events that have taken place in the Middle East do not result in division and community conflict here in Hertfordshire.’

Cllr Nigel Bell, Labour Group Leader, said: ‘It is right that we as local councillors represent the communities we serve, whether in Hertsmere or Watford or across our county, who are affected by their families being put in danger. It is also important that we try to uphold the community cohesion that has been worked on for so many years by religious leaders across our communities, whether they be from synagogues or mosques, churches or temples.’

Cllr Ben Crystall, Green and Independent Group Leader, said: ‘Like all of us I am deeply concerned that the escalating situation could impact local community relations. Our role as Hertfordshire’s leaders is clear. We must stand together and encourage unity over division.’

Closing the debate, Cllr Terry Douris, Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, said: ‘This was an opportunity for us as a council to demonstrate our unity and our resolve, to send a message to everyone. Listening to the debate, it is a privilege for me to be the Chairman of this Council.’

Full motion unanimously agreed by County Councillors

This Council is united in expressing our deep shock and sadness at the terrorist outrage perpetrated on innocent Israeli citizens last week. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with all those now caught up in the escalating violence.

We also recognise that there are many Hertfordshire residents who have family, friends or loved ones caught up in these terrible acts of violence in Israel and Gaza and we offer our heartfelt support and solidarity to our residents during these troubling times.

This Council resolves to:

  • Express solidarity with the innocent people directly affected by the ongoing situation in Israel and Gaza.
  • Encourage and support good relations between our own Hertfordshire communities at this time of immense international tension to maintain community cohesion.

The full debate at the County Council meeting can be viewed on online [this part of the meeting is from minutes 6 to 43 in the video]: Annotator Player (sonicfoundry.com).