Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has challenged the opposition motion brought to the Assembly by the SDLP as an attempt to create division by using language that could not be supported by many MLA’s.

Speaking after the debate, Mr. Elliott said.

“I’m sure there was not one member in the chamber today who does not fully support condemnation of both the Hamas atrocities of October 7^th and the thousands of lives lost in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

“This motion was an opportunity to bring the chamber together in such condemnation, allowing for a cross-party call for both a ceasefire and an immediate release of hostages, while supporting the position of the Assembly of the region working towards a two-state solution.

“Instead we saw a motion which focused on attacking Israel, calling on the UK government to cease arms sales and using emotive terms such as genocide rather than recognising that every life lost is one too many.

“My party submitted an amendment to this motion, which was not selected for debate, focusing on the atrocities, both in Israel and Gaza, over the last 8 months. I believe that, had the opposition motion been worded in a way which concentrated on the abhorrent human suffering, on ending the killing and understanding the complex nature of Middle East politics, it would have received the support of the full Assembly.”