Hyndburn's Full Council meeting on Thursday will debate a motion calling on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to step up UK government efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Israel – Hamas conflict in Gaza.

Moved by Church ward Conservative councillors Sajid Mahmood and Loraine Cox, it calls for a two-state solution to end the Middle East crisis in the long run.

It also urges the appointment of a British special envoy to collaborate with the United Nations to expedite a peace process in alignment with the Oslo Accords and preceding UN resolutions on the issue.

The motion calls for an end to the Israeli siege of Gaza, a negotiation to ensure the immediate release of all hostages and the prompt opening of aid corridors into the territory.

Fighting has been ongoing for weeks after a Hamas terror attack in Israel, with thousands of innocent civilians in both states being killed in the fighting and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza as people flee Israel's invasion.

Thus far, neither Israel or Hamas has suggested any interest in a permanent ceasefire.

The motion asks council leader Cllr Marlene Haworth and chief executive David Welsby to write to Mr Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on the issue.

The motion says: "Many residents in Hyndburn including those in the interfaith community are extremely concerned about what is happening in Palestine and Israel.

"Many of these Hyndburn residents have family and friends embroiled in a conflict that has seen unprecedented civilian casualties across all communities.

"These residents are suffering as they watch helplessly as horrific images are broadcast almost daily.

"We are all appalled by the violent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

"The unprecedented level of casualties has resulted in countless lives being lost.

"Each passing day sees a rising toll on lives and a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

"Civilian deaths in Gaza are increasing hour by hour due to a relentless bombardment by Israel, retaliating to the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7 in Israel which led to 1,400 fatalities and the abduction of civilians.

"Israel's tightened siege on Gaza has blocked essential goods like water, food, and fuel, leaving over two million people in the Gaza Strip struggling to survive.

"The humanitarian catastrophe resulting from Israel's 16-year-long illegal blockade will escalate further if the fighting doesn't cease immediately.

"Humanitarian pauses have had little impact on the thousands suffering in Gaza.

"That is why many residents from across Hyndburn have asked us, their representatives, to speak out and call on the UK Government to push for an immediate ceasefire to stop the mass killing of civilians in the Israel-Gaza conflict and for the immediate release of all hostages held since October 7."