“After witnessing last night the pictures on our TVs of more Palestinian children being killed in Gaza, I don’t believe any politician’s New Year message is relevant unless it calls for an end to the massacre of these innocent children & calls for an immediate ceasefire.”
John McDonnell MP
Please find below the video and text of a message from John McDonnell, which he posted on his social media accounts on 31 December, emphasising support for the international calls for a #Ceasefire now, and peace and justice for Palestine.
My New Year’s message is a call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of the hostages & an end to the bombings whether in Gaza, Israel or Ukraine. Happy New Year to you all and let’s make 2024 the year we learn to make peace not war. #CeasefireNow pic.twitter.com/i9JiXV6v11
— John McDonnell MP (@johnmcdonnellMP) December 31, 2023
“It’s a long standing tradition for political and religious leaders to put out a New Year’s message setting out their plans and hopes for the new year.
This is accompanied by wishing people a Happy New Year.
After witnessing last night the pictures on our television screens of more Palestinian children being killed in Gaza, I don’t believe any politician’s or religious leader’s New Year message is relevant unless it calls for an end to the massacre of these innocent children and calls for an immediate ceasefire.
And of course, that includes the release of the Israeli hostages.
Without a demand from the international community for a ceasefire the world leaders are in effect tacitly giving permission for what many legal experts consider war crimes to continue.
So yes, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year but above all else I want to wish for peace, an end to the bombing and killing whether it be in Gaza, Israel or Ukraine.
Let’s try and make 2024 the year we learn to make peace again not war.”
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