AN INVERCLYDE councillor has accused Israel of carrying out 'genocide' against the people of Gaza as it hits back in the wake of the atrocities inflicted by Hamas terrorists.
Colin Jackson - who attended a demonstration at Greenock's Clyde Square demanding a ceasefire - condemned the appalling attack on Israel on October 7.
But the outspoken Labour man also hit out against the incessant military operation now being carried out in Gaza.
Councillor Jackson told the Telegraph: "The attack by Hamas on Israel must be utterly condemned, but the revenge being inflicted by Israel on innocent Palestinians in response has shocked us all, it is inhumane and cannot under any circumstance be defended or justified.
"What we are witnessing is genocide, by not supporting a ceasefire the UK government and the Labour leadership are complicit in the murder of innocent men woman and children and are in effect supporting war crimes.
"Ignoring the protests of hundreds of thousands of people again shows how out of touch our politicians are with the views of the public."
Around 70 people attended the Clyde Square demonstration, including other local councillors and Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan.
Former councillor Chris Osborne, who was also there, said: "It was great to see everyone united in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
"People were sharing their shock and horror at the horrible scenes coming out of Gaza.
SNP councillors showed their support along with Labour's Colin Jackson and independent Tommy McVey.
Councillor McVey said that there must be a ceasefire to allow aid into Gaza.
He said: "I believe in protecting the sanctity of human life that’s why I support the call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
"Humanitarian pauses do not stop the killing of innocent civilians. It just means that they get bombed for most of the day and night rather than all of the day and night.
"Advocates of such a policy should hang their heads in shame.
"We must stop the slaughter of innocent civilians. A ceasefire will also allow sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza to alleviate the suffering of the population.
"I also call for the release of all innocent civilians who have been taken hostage."
Ronnie Cowan MP said a few words and there was a minute's silence.
Mr Cowan is calling on the UK government to demand a ceasefire.
He said: "The horror of the Hamas terrorist attacks on unarmed civilians was a crime against humanity, as was the taking of innocent hostages.
"My unequivocal condemnation of Hamas remains as strong today as it was on October 7.
"The bombardment of innocent civilians and all military action must cease and I am calling on the UK government to finally use its influence to bring about a full ceasefire."
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