DELEGATES from Carlisle's Palestine Solidarity Group used their national AGM on February 24 to propose the motion, Justice for Palestine.

The group, a local branch of the national Palestine Solidarity Campaign, implored the organisation to urge the UK government to support the 'instruments of justice', both domestically and internationally, with resources and financial assistance.

The motion proposed by the group outlines several objectives, including compliance with international legal obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, official support for South Africa's application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and measures to ensure an immediate ceasefire and lifting of the siege on Gaza.

John Cheshire, a group member who attended as a delegate, asked the attendees: “What is the point in having international laws if we are not going to use them to bring accountability?”

The question resonated with the AGM audience, leading to the unanimous sanctioning of the motion.

Group chair Fiona Goldie said: "We look forward to campaigning further on this issue, and soon.

"This motion means that we will take steps to encourage the UK government to comply with its legal obligation under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide to take action to prevent and punish genocide- and we will call out its failure to do so, where appropriate”.

Last week, the group also launched a petition to the Foreign Office, calling for the end of the transfer of military equipment and personnel to Israel. 

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in weekly vigils held in Carlisle City Centre every Saturday from 1-2pm, where they can sign the petition and learn more about supporting the campaign for peace.

The group's next film screening, Advocate, will take place on Friday, March 15 at the Church of Scotland on Chapel Street. 

The film narrates the journey of Lea Tsemel, an Israeli defending the rights of Palestinians before Israel's dual court system.

Members of the public are being invited to the event, with donations to MAP also being welcomed on the night.