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UN Chief Denounces Iran’s Attack on Israel

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.(photo:Twitter)

The attack was the latest in a cycle of violence wracking the Middle East….writes Arul Louis

The United Nations Security Council is to meet in an emergency session on Sunday to consider Iran’s fusillade of drones and missiles attacking Israel, which Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned as an escalation of the Middle East crisis.

Within minutes of the Iranian attacks on Saturday, Israel asked Council President Vanessa Frazier of Malta to convene the meeting.

Warning that “neither the region nor the world can afford another war”, Guterres said, “I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening.”

“I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East,” he said.

The attack was the latest in a cycle of violence wracking the Middle East.

Iran said the attack was in retaliation for Israel’s April 1 attack on its diplomatic mission in Syria which killed two of its generals.

Israel said that Iran launched about 200 missiles and drones on Saturday and most of them had been shot down and there were no major damages.

The attacks and counterattacks took place while Israel was carrying out an unprecedented military action on the occupied Gaza Strip, hitting civilians and military targets, in retaliation for an attack from there on Israel by Hamas which has ties to Iran.

There have also been skirmishes on the northern border between Israel and Hezbollah, another organisation with Tehran ties.

In a letter to Guterres and Frazier, Iran’s Permanent Representative Amir Saed Iravani said that in launching the attacks his country was invoking its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and warned of “stronger and more resolute” retaliation should Israel take further action.

But in a post on X social media, Iran’s UN mission also said, “The matter can be deemed concluded.”

General Assembly President Dennis Francis expressed concern over the danger of tensions escalating in the region and said, “I expect that the Iranian authorities will honour their word that by their action today, the matter can be deemed concluded.”

He noted that “the Iranians have explained their action in the context of article 51 of the UN Charter, following the recent Israeli attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus”.

In his letter to the Council president asking for the meeting, Israel’s Permanent Representative Gilad Erdan called for it to “unequivocally condemn Iran for these grave violations” and designate Tehran’s main military outfit, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as a terrorist organisation.

Any attempts by the Council to act on the attacks would be short-circuited by the polarisation in the body.

Just as it could not act on Israel’s attack on an Iranian diplomatic mission in Syria in contravention of international law because of US veto threats, Russia and China would make a stand on Tehran’s retaliation unlikely.

Guterres had also condemned the Israeli attack “on diplomatic premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus” on April 1, as well as the reported casualties” and repeatedly called for restraint.

He said that “the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law”.

ALSO READ: Iran Launches Drone, Missile Assault on Israel

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Spanish PM Calls for Recognition of Palestinian State Amid Gaza Conflict

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday reiterated the need for recognising a Palestinian state as part of the solution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has claimed an estimated 33,000 Palestinian lives…reports Asian Lite News

He asked all parties involved for a permanent ceasefire and condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7 last year, which triggered the months-long conflict, as well as demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostages…reports Asian Lite News

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday reiterated the need for recognising a Palestinian state as part of the solution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has claimed an estimated 33,000 Palestinian lives.

Calling the conflict “one of the most deplorable humanitarian disasters of this century,” Sanchez said in the Spanish Congress (lower house of Parliament) that “Israel’s disproportionate response is overturning decades of humanitarian law and threatens to destabilize the Middle East and the world,” Xinhua news agency reported.

He asked all parties involved for a permanent ceasefire and condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Oct.7 last year, which triggered the months-long conflict, as well as demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostages.Sanchez insisted on the need to “bet on peace,” and establish contacts that are “more necessary than ever to save lives and ensure security and peace in the region, which has a direct impact on our security, economy, and social cohesion.”

He added that most European countries agree on the need for a two-state solution to the conflict and the creation of a Palestinian State.”It is fair, it is demanded by the social majority” and it is in the interest of Spain, said Sanchez. “Spain is prepared to recognize the Palestinian State.”   Also on Wednesday, Spanish government spokesperson Pilar Alegre announced that Sanchez would initiate a round of talks with European leaders, saying the prime minister is scheduled to meet with the leaders of Ireland and Norway on Friday to promote the two-state solution.

ALSO READ-Beijing calls for full UN membership for Palestine

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OPEC+ sticks to current output policy

The JMMC stated that participating countries with outstanding overproduced volumes for the months of January, February and March 2024, will submit their detailed compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat by 30th April 2024…reports Asian Lite News

The participants of the 53rd Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, OPEC+, agreed to keep current oil production levels unchanged.

During the meeting which took place via videoconference today, the JMMC reviewed the crude oil production data for the months of January and February 2024, noting to the high conformity for participating OPEC and non-OPEC countries of the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC).

The Committee welcomed the Republic of Iraq and the Republic of Kazakhstan pledge to achieve full conformity as well as compensate for overproduction. The Committee also welcomed the announcement by the Russian Federation that its voluntary adjustments in the second quarter of 2024 will be based on production instead of exports.

The JMMC stated that participating countries with outstanding overproduced volumes for the months of January, February and March 2024, will submit their detailed compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat by 30th April 2024.

The Committee noted that it will continue to monitor the conformity of the production adjustments decided upon at the 35th ONOMM held on 4th June 2023, and the additional voluntary production adjustments announced by some participating OPEC and participating non-OPEC countries in April 2023, and the subsequent adjustments in November 2023 and February 2024.

The Committee further stated that it will continue to closely assess market conditions and noted the willingness of the DoC countries to address market developments and their readiness to take additional measures at any time building on the strong cohesion between OPEC and participating non-OPEC oil-producing countries.

The next meeting of the JMMC (54th) is scheduled for 1st June 2024.

ALSO READ-OPEC seeks increased investments in oil industry

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White House declares April as Arab-American Heritage Month

Indian-American in House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries' team.

Biden has also refused to support a permanent ceasefire or put conditions on aid to Israel…reports Asian Lite News

The White House on Friday declared April as Arab-American Heritage Month, recognising the achievements of the community as well as their pain amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.

President Joe Biden said Arab Americans have helped shape the fabric and trajectory of the US, in addition to greatly contributing to its economy.

“People with Arab heritage were among the many immigrants who came to our country’s shores with a range of cultures, customs, backgrounds and beliefs, sharing a common courage to start new chapters in an unfamiliar land,” he said.

The Biden administration has nationally recognised April as Arab-American Heritage Month every year since taking office in 2021.

The US has similar recognition for other minority groups and throughout the designated month, the achievements of Americans belonging to those groups are celebrated.

This declaration comes as the Israel-Gaza war approaches its six-month mark.

More than 32,000 Palestinians – many of them with relatives in the US – have been killed in the Israeli bombardment and ground offensive.

Israel’s onslaught on the Palestinian enclave followed an attack by Hamas on Israeli settlements on October 7, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 240 abducted.

Biden said was he “devastated” by the suffering and the loss of life in Gaza. “As we come together this month to honour these contributions, we must also pause to reflect on the pain being felt by so many in the Arab-American community with the war in Gaza,” Biden said.

“The trauma, death and destruction in Israel and Gaza have claimed, and continue to claim, far too many innocent lives ‑ including family and friends of Arab Americans across our nation.”

More than 3.5 million people in the US claim ancestry to an Arab country.

On Thursday, the US government announced that residents would be able to identify as Middle Eastern or North African in the 2030 Census, after years of demands for recognition and visibility.

Arab Americans have historically largely leaned Democrat and many came out to support Mr Biden in 2020, when he ran for office on a campaign of inclusivity and overturning the legacy of his predecessor Donald Trump.

But the Biden administration has staunchly supported Israel in its response to the Hamas attack.

Washington has supplied Israel with weapons and provided it with political as well as diplomatic support, amid outrage from the international community over its actions in Gaza.

Biden has also refused to support a permanent ceasefire or put conditions on aid to Israel.

His position has drawn intense anger from Arab Americans, who say they feel betrayed by Biden. States with sizeable Arab American populations, such as Michigan, have organised protests and campaigns against him as he runs for re-election.

In Michigan last month, more than 100,000 voters marked “uncommitted” on their Democratic ballots in the primary elections in protest against his position on Gaza.

Biden also acknowledged that Arab Americans remain the target of persistent Islamophobia, including harassment, hate crimes, racist rhetoric and violent attacks, which has worsened since the start of the war.

ALSO READ-Biden Says World Leaders Told Him ‘Don’t Let Trump Win’

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EU Launches Gaza Aid Project

The European Commission has launched the project to establish a maritime aid corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, reports Asian Lite News

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced the immediate launch of a project to establish a maritime aid corridor from Cyprus to Gaza.

“We are now very close to opening this corridor, hopefully this Saturday-Sunday, and I’m very glad to see an initial pilot will be launched today,” she told journalists on Friday after visiting Cyprus’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in the port city of Larnaca, Xinhua news agency reported.

“We are launching this Cyprus maritime corridor together: the EU, the UAE and the US,” she added.

In a joint statement endorsed by the European Commission, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Cyprus, the UAE, the UK, and the US, the European Commission said: “Together, our nations intend to build on this model to deliver significant additional aid by sea, working in coordination with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag — who is charged with facilitating, coordinating, monitoring and verifying the flow of aid into Gaza under UN Security Council Resolution 2720.”

The Amalthea Initiative was proposed by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides due to Cyprus’ proximity to Gaza. It was coordinated by the UAE, aiming for shipment before the start of the Muslim month of Ramadan.

The US has pledged to construct a floating platform off the coast of Gaza for the unloading of aid, while Israeli officials have vetted the aid to address concerns about potential military equipment.

The death toll of Palestinians from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 30,878, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said on Friday.

Five months ago, Israel began a large-scale military campaign against Gaza in response to a surprise Hamas attack on Israeli towns adjacent to the enclave, in which Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people and took more than 200 others as hostages.

ALSO READ: UAE Condemns Israel’s Approval Of New Settlements

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Biden Plans Temporary Port in Gaza for Aid


The official stated that the project, primarily centered around a temporary pier, is anticipated to be operational within a few weeks…reports Asian Lite News

US President Joe Biden will announce in his State of the Union address that the country’s military will build a temporary port in Gaza for the delivery of additional humanitarian aid to civilians, senior officials have said.

“Tonight in the speech, the President will announce that he’s directing the US military to lead an emergency mission to establish a port in the Mediterranean, on the Gaza coast, that can receive large ships carrying food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters,” one of the officials said during a call with reporters on Thursday.

The official added that the project, “the main feature of which is a temporary pier”, is expected to become operational in “a number of weeks”, Xinhua news agency reported.

US forces involved in the mission “are either already in the region or will begin to move there soon”, the official said.

The officials didn’t provide much detail about the plan, with one noting that it won’t require “US troops on the ground” to build the port. Instead, the US military will work “from just offshore”, collaborating with partners and allies and “working on commercial options”.

ALSO READ: Biden knocks Trump over NATO, democracy

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Iraqi Pharmacist is Arab ‘Hope Maker’

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid awarded the top Arab Hope Maker title to Tala Al Khalil for her initiative to mentally support and heal children with Down Syndrome and cancer patients…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, crowned the 4 Arab Hope Makers finalists, awarding them a financial reward of AED 1 million each, in the presence of His Highness Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid awarded the title of Arab Hope Maker of the 4th season of the largest initiative of its kind in the Arab region celebrating philanthropists, to Tala Al Kalil who received the highest number of votes during the ceremony. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also directed that all four finalists be awarded the title of Arab Hope Maker, who are, in addition to Tala Al Khalil, Mohamed Al Najjar from Iraq, Amine Imnir from Morocco and Fathiya Al Mahmoud from Egypt.

“In our part of the world, hope making is life making. The only way we can overcome challenges is through collaborative efforts,” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said.

“Hope for a better future is what keeps people going. Every new generation bears the responsibility of creating a better reality in their communities. On the other hand, spreading despair is our major challenge, which is why we need to continue to nurture hope, optimism and positivity among the new generation,” he concluded.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid awarded the top Arab Hope Maker title to Tala Al Khalil for her initiative to mentally support and heal children with Down Syndrome and cancer patients.

The closing ceremony was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Arts and Culture Authority, alongside ministers, senior officials and a host of media representatives.

Mohmmad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives said the Hope Makers initiative reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of instilling the culture of giving across the Arab world, while celebrating those who launch life-changing initiatives that benefit communities and inspire the new generation to create a better future.

“The 4th season of Hope Makers revealed a number of unique charity initiatives that serve Arab communities and help thousands of people around the world. More than 58,000 Arab hope makers have proved that our region enjoys a wealth of philanthropists who renew our faith in our ability to become a global model of giving and philanthropy, regardless of colour, race or religion,” he added.

Al Gergawi affirmed that Hope Makers initiative will continue to support voluntary work aiming to improve quality of life across Arab communities, and to celebrate efforts to serve vulnerable populations and alleviate their suffering, in line with MBRGI’s objectives of promoting a culture of hope and nurturing innovative ideas that can be transformed into sustainable projects in the Arab World.

The closing ceremony saw the participation of several Arab celebrities, including Ahlam, Hussain Al Jassmi and Assala, alongside artists and media personalities.

Amidst a massive audience of 12,000 people, the closing ceremony at the Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, showcased the inspiring stories of the four Hope Makers finalists Tala Al Khalil from Iraq, Mohamed Al Najjar from Iraq, Fathiya Al Mahmoud from Egypt and Amine Imnir from Morocco.

4 inspiring stories

37-year-old Dr. Mohamed Al Najjar from Iraq lost his leg in 2014. A fan of football since his childhood, he turned this tragedy into a driver of change and hope. While studying for his PhD in England, he joined the Portsmouth football team for amputees, excelled and made a name for himself, winning the title of the club’s best player in 2019. Upon returning to Iraq, he strived to recreate this experience in his home country, and managed to form a football team of amputees that went on to participate in international friendly matches, qualifying for the 2022 Amputee Football World Cup in Turkey just one year after its formation. Thanks to Al Najjar’s relentless effort to motivate his team members and help them out of despair due to their injuries, the Iraqi team now ranks 19th globally out of 70 amputee football teams

Al Najjar’s selfless drive to help amputees like him went beyond training and motivating the team to financial support, until the team was known enough to attract sponsors.

From Morocco, the audience met Youtuber Amine Imnir, whose social media account ‘Faysboki’ strives to improve living conditions for underprivileged Moroccans. Heading the AFTAS Society for Development and Solidarity, Amine has sponsored a number of humanitarian initiatives and aid campaigns in his country, documenting his efforts through his Faysboki TV channel to help spread the culture of humanitarian work and motivate others to join. AFTAS’s list of achievements includes distribution of over 1,000 solar panels, more than 4,500 food parcels to poor families including widows and orphans, financing 217 surgeries in 2023 and the planting of 2,800 fruitful trees.

Known as ‘the mother of orphans’ or ‘Mama Fathiya’, Egyptian hope maker Fathiya Al Mahmoud offers an inspiring example of selfless giving and nurturing hope. Failing to have children of her own since her marriage 30 years ago, she decided in 2005 to adopt 34 orphan girls. With the aid of her husband, they founded A Touch of Hope society to care for orphans, caring for raising, educating and inspiring 34 girls without any outside help.

Realizing that raising that number of girls is a challenging endeavour, Fathiya dived deep into the world of nurturing children and how to care for girls’ physical and mental needs. In addition to their work in caring for orphans, Fathiya and her husband established a charity hospital that offers free healthcare to orphans and people of determination.

Iraqi pharmacist Tala Al Khalil started his journey as a hope maker in 2015, when she started receiving young cancer patients in a special ‘caravan’ at the Basra Children’s Hospital to help them overcome challenges associated with their illness, including studying and inclusion in society. This initiative offered children with cancer a room for hope and optimism away from the hard reality of treatments and hospital wards. This was the start that inspired Tala to establish her Warriors Academy in 2018, to care for young people of determination who suffer various illnesses. Today, Tala personally cares for 200 children with Down Syndrome and cancer.

Offering much-needed psychological support to the children who now call her ‘mama’, Tala is a strong believer in the role of good mental health in enhancing immunity and the body’s ability to fight illness.

Operating under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the 4th edition of Hope Makers initiative attracted over 58,000 applications from across the region.

ALSO READ-Iraq, US Discuss Exiting Coalition Mission

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Possibility of Ceasefire Grows As Hamas Eases Demands

Hamas is insisting for a permanent withdrawal of Israel troops from Gaza Strip, it has come down on many of its demands including release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from the Israel jails against the release of each Israeli hostage.

A Hamas delegation — which is in Paris for negotiations for a ceasefire deal with Israel — has come down on many of its demands.

Sources in Israel defence ministry told IANS that while Hamas is insisting for a permanent withdrawal of Israel troops from Gaza Strip, it has come down on many of its demands including release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from the Israel jails against the release of each Israeli hostage.

Even as the Hamas negotiators are sticking to their demand for a permanent ceasefire, they may agree for a two months ceasefire, which Israel has not agreed to.

Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told media persons that Hamas has come down from their earlier demands due to Israel moving towards a ground offensive in Rafah in Gaza that borders Egypt.

Egypt is wary that if Israel Defense Forces attack Rafah, then there will be a huge spill over of Palestinians into its territory.

Ahmad Kamal, head of Egyptian intelligence who is part of the mediatory talks, has told Arabian media that the talks were progressive and that things were heading in the right direction.

During one week ceasefire from November 24 to December 1, 105 Israel hostages in the custody of Hamas were released in exchange of 324 Palestinian prisoners from Israel jails.

There are 134 Israeli hostages in custody of Hamas — all of whom are not alive, and according to information, 35 Israeli hostages would be released.

Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief William Burns are part of the negotiations in Paris.

Hamas and Israel are not directly talking to each other but communicating through the mediators on their respective demands.

ALSO READ: Priyanka Slams Blind Eye to ‘Genocide’ in Gaza

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Gulf Firms Eye Strong Export Growth Despite Regional Tensions

The study finds that as the UAE and Saudi Arabia undergo radical transformations to move away from fossil fuels…reports Asian Lite News

Despite simmering geopolitical tensions, executives in the Gulf region, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are brimming with optimism, predicting “double-digit exports growth” in 2024. To achieve this ambitious target, they are leveraging innovation and technology to navigate the complexities of global supply chains.

This forward-looking perspective emerges from a research programme led by Economist Impact and supported by DP World. Titled “Trade in Transition,” the study delves into the insights of trade experts and senior executives across the globe, providing a valuable snapshot of the current and future state of international commerce.

The study finds that as the UAE and Saudi Arabia undergo radical transformations to move away from fossil fuels, companies are focussed on diversifying networks and growing exports in new markets in 2024. They want to make their networks more varied, selling more products in new markets. 33% of business leaders believe that expanding operations in new markets will be the primary growth driver of exports for both economies.

This, indicates the study, helps companies deal with problems, lower risks and make it faster to start selling in a new place. About 57% of companies believe they will sell 10% more or even higher in 2024. Also, 40% of companies think they will buy 10% more or even higher.

Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director at DP World GCC, said: “As we navigate the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape in 2024, companies are aligning their strategies with initiatives like Dubai’s D33 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to tap into new markets and boost opportunities in trade. Our research underscores the critical role of technology in strengthening supply chains and anticipating disruptions. Embracing emerging technologies is not only about overcoming challenges; it’s about resilience, adaptability and a firm commitment to a future where innovation drives success.”

ALSO READ: UAE’s Visionary Leadership on Display at World Governments Summit

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Chaos in Commons over Gaza

MPs voted unanimously for a Labour motion calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza…reports Asian Lite News

The speaker of the House of Commons issued an unprecedented apology after a fractious and occasionally chaotic parliamentary debate on Gaza.

MPs voted unanimously for a Labour motion calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza, but only after Lindsay Hoyle upended years of parliamentary precedent to allow the party to bring its motion to a vote.

Conservative and Scottish National party MPs reacted with fury to Hoyle’s decision, which the speaker said was designed to air a wide range of opinions but which also allowed the Labour leader to dodge the biggest rebellion of his leadership.

Some are now trying to unseat Hoyle while others are urging the Conservatives to ignore common practice and stand against him at the general election.

In the end, Labour’s amendment passed unopposed after Tory and SNP MPs walked out of the chamber. Starmer afterwards accused them of “choosing political games over serious solutions”.

Hoyle apologised to MPs at the end of a six-hour debate marked by parliamentary chicanery, frequent shouting across the Commons chamber and accusations of partisanship on the part of the speaker.

In an unexpected statement, the speaker told a packed chamber: “It is clear that today did not show the house at its best. I will reflect on my part in that of course.”

He added: “I have tried to do what I thought was the right thing for all sides of this House. It is regrettable, and I apologise, that the decision didn’t end up in the place that I wished.”

The apology came at the end of a dramatic day in Westminster which saw Starmer personally lobby the Commons speaker to allow his motion to come to a vote.

Labour MPs had warned Starmer that up to 100 of them were ready to rebel against party orders and vote for a Scottish National party amendment calling for an immediate ceasefire unless Labour offered its own similar alternative. Sources have said that at least two shadow cabinet ministers were ready to resign over the issue.

Labour announced on Tuesday it would push for an amendment calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire”, which it said could only happen under certain circumstances, such as if Hamas no longer threatened violence against Israel.

The wording of the Labour amendment was enough to persuade dozens of MPs to agree to vote for it instead of the SNP motion, which Labour has opposed on the grounds that it is not clear enough about the conditions necessary for a ceasefire.

Labour MPs warned however that if they were denied the chance to vote for their own amendment they would vote for the SNP’s motion, in what would have amounted to the biggest direct challenge to Starmer’s leadership since he took over.

With hours to go before the vote, Hoyle had still not decided whether to call a proposed government amendment to the motion, the Labour one, or both. After a last-minute intervention from Starmer himself, the speaker decided to call both – a decision which was greeted with fury on the Conservative and SNP benches.

Hoyle said later he had been persuaded to allow both amendments because of threats to the personal safety of many MPs.

Several Labour members who abstained on a similar SNP motion in November say they have since faced abuse and personal threats, and with hundreds of protesters gathered outside Westminster, Hoyle was persuaded to give them a route out.

He faced criticism however even from his own clerk Tom Goldsmith who wrote a letter explaining his view that the decision was “a departure from the long-established convention for dealing with such amendments”.

The Conservative MP William Wragg then tabled a parliamentary motion expressing no confidence in the speaker. By Wednesday evening, 33 MPs had signed Wragg’s motion, mostly from the SNP.

After an often bitter Commons debate, Penny Mordaunt, the leader of the House of Commons, announced the government would not participate in the votes, paving the way for the Labour amendment to pass unopposed.

Mordaunt launched a bitter attack on Hoyle as she announced her decision, saying he had “hijacked” the debate and “undermined the confidence of the Commons”.

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