The leader of Burnley Council has written to Rishi Sunak calling for him to take steps to mitigate the growing crisis in Israel and Gaza.

Cllr Afraisiab Anwar and almost 70 councillors and community leaders - including the leader of Lancashire County Council Labour group, Nelson East's Cllr Azhar Ali, and Cllr Munsif Dad, who leads Hyndburn Council's Labour group - have called on the Prime Minister to express their deep sadness at the 'loss of innocent lives in the conflict between Israel and Hamas'.

Their letter reads: "The images and reports coming from the region have filled our hearts with grief and concern.

"In response to this crisis and in our respective roles, we have been engaging people across Burnley, Pendle and Hyndburn.

"Together, we stand united against terrorism, hatred and violent extremism.

"The people of Burnley, Pendle and Hyndburn are gravely worried about the unfolding humanitarian situation in Gaza and have approached us seeking answers.

"We urge your government to take immediate action to bring an end to this devastation.

"We implore you to reach out urgently to international partners and work towards a peaceful resolution."

In the letter, the leaders called on Mr Sunak to:

  • Ensure that aid reaches those in desperate need in Gaza
  • Establish a safe evacuation corridor for the affected population and condemn any bombing of the Rafah Crossing, the only safe route out of Gaza at present
  • Hold Israel accountable to international law and encourage restraint in its actions
  • Initiate negotiations to end the siege and engage in talks for a long-term, sustainable solution to the conflict, and
  • Implore you to consider the impact of British military aid and support to Israel on our local communities - such actions only escalate tensions and exacerbate the challenges faced by our constituents, many of whom have innocent relatives and friends in Gaza.

It added: "We firmly assert that the collective punishment of the people of Gaza must not be allowed."

The letter has been copied to Conservative MPs Burnley's Antony Higginbotham, Pendle's Andrew Stephenson, and Hyndburn's Sara Britcliffe, as well as Labour leader Keir Starmer.

It comes after an explosion at a hospital in Gaza left hundreds dead or injured, with either side blaming the other for the devastation.

Thousands have been killed or injured - many innocent civilians - since the spike in violence between Israel and Hamas began last week when militants from the terrorist group stormed into Israel and killed hundreds.