Welsh parliament calls for cease-fire in Israel-Palestine conflict

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – The Welsh parliament has voted to call for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The motion moved by Plaid Cymru, the center-left to left-wing party, was passed on Wednesday by 24 members of the parliament, commonly known as Senedd, who voted in favor of the motion, 19 opposed, and 13 abstained.

Speaking in parliament, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth urged members to advocate for long-term peace in the Middle East country.

Meanwhile, Darren Millar from the Conservative Party, said Israel has the right to defend itself, claiming that Israel is at war with Hamas, not Palestinians.

Welsh Liberal Democrats also supported the motion, while Labour-led Welsh government ministers abstained amid growing criticism of the UK Labour Party leadership for failing to call for a cease-fire.

"I am proud that tonight, our Senedd, representing the people of our nation, has taken a stand in the cause of humanity," Iorwerth wrote on X.

Plaid Cymru thanked all members who supported the motion, including Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

Israel launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by the Palestine resistance group, Hamas, on Oct. 7.​​​​​​​

At least 10,569 Palestinians, including 4,324 children and 2,823 women, have been killed.

The Israeli death toll nears 1,600, according to official figures.