Derry unionists back council motion calling for maternity units to be released into Gaza
A motion calling on the release of three Irish-funded maternity units into Gaza has received unanimous, cross party support from Derry City and Strabane District Council members.
Whilst a similar motion at Belfast City Council was opposed by Unionist representatives, at this month’s Derry City and Strabane District Council meeting UUP and DUP members voted in favour of independent councillor Gary Donnelly’s motion.
Councillor Donnelly proposed that council write to the Stormont First and Deputy First Ministers and all Executive Ministers, calling on the Executive to make urgent representations to the Dublin Government, UK Government and relevant international bodies to secure the immediate entry of the mobile maternity units, which are currently in Egypt.
The motion added: “This council notes with grave concern the continuing genocide and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the devastating impact on pregnant women, new-born babies and families requiring urgent medical care.
“Council further notes that three mobile maternity units have been developed to provide safe and secure maternity and new-born care for women and babies in Gaza.
“Council commends the extraordinary fundraising efforts of humanitarian activists across Ireland which have made these three mobile maternity units possible.
“Many local residents have contributed directly to this humanitarian effort, demonstrating the depth of solidarity in our council district with Palestinian women, babies and families.”
DUP Alderman Niree McMorris said her party supported the motion as it is ‘humanitarian at its heart’.
“When mothers and children are denied access to essential healthcare we should be concerned,” she added. “The proposal is a practical humanitarian measure aimed at saving lives and protecting some of the most vulnerable people affected by conflict.”
“However, my support is based on the principle that humanitarian assistance should be applied consistently and without discrimination; human suffering should never be ranked and our compassion should extend to all victims of conflict across the world.
“The value of a child's life a mother's life or a family's well-being is the same, irrespective of which side of a conflict they find themselves on.
“For those reasons and on the understanding that our focus is on humanitarian relief, support for vulnerable civilians and equal treatment of all victims and nations, we are happy to support the motion,” she said.
People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin said: “I think that this is a very significant decision by the DUP here and I want to commend you because you're absolutely right; we want to save people's lives, that's what these maternity units are for, and I think people across this district and across the North will welcome the decision you've made.”
Sinn Féin councillor Pat Murphy said the maternity units should be saving mothers’ and babies’ lives instead of ‘gathering dust in Cairo’, while SDLP Councillor Sean Mooney condemned the Israeli government’s blocking of the units as ‘grossly unfair’.
UUP Alderman Derek Hussey added: “It's difficult to understand why the denial would exist, but there can be no rationale that can be acceptable in this particular case and we're happy to support Councillor Donnelly's motion.”
Councillor Donnelly welcomed support for the motion, particularly from Unionist colleagues.
“These people are non-combatants and haven't engaged in any activity other than giving birth, so I'd like to thank everybody for the contributions made and thank everybody for supporting this motion,” he said.