DOZENS of Newport residents gathered outside the office of a Newport MP as lawmakers voted on whether to call a ceasefire in Gaza.

Set up outside the the office of Newport East MP Jessica Morden in Clarence Place, protesters waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans such as “free Palestine”. The message on posters was clear: “ceasefire now”.

Numerous motorists honked in support of the roadside protesters and a handful shouted criticism as they passed.

South Wales Argus: Protesters called for a 'ceasefire now'

Labour MPs were told to abstain on the SNP’s motion tonight Wednesday, November 15, and back the party’s own amendment calling for extended humanitarian pauses instead.

MPs voted 293 to 125 to reject the motion calling for “all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire” in Gaza.

Palestinian militant groups including Hamas terrorists launched an attack on Saturday, October 7, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 Israelis, many of them citizens.

Responding, the Israeli government declared a state of emergency and started a campaign of relentless airstrikes. The Gazan health ministry say more than 11,000 people have been killed in the weeks since, two-thirds of them women and children.

Zahid Noor of the Newport Palestine Solidarity Campaign said: “We need to hold our government accountable for their support of Israel. I can’t see how a military solution is going to resolve the conflict. This is a political issue.

“A ceasefire is not a radical solution. It’s backed by the UN, countries across the world, hundreds of organisations and the public. Our MPs must back a ceasefire.”

Farhanna Sheikh, 24, from Newport, said it was important the protest took place outside Ms Morden’s office while she voted in the House of Commons.

South Wales Argus: Ms Sheikh said she feels 'angry' that not everyone is calling for a ceasefire

“We have had to shout so loud and for so long, and we’re only now starting to see change," she said. "We need our voice to reach people in power.

“I feel angry. There are people on the ground showing us the awful damage that is being done. I don’t know how anyone can not be for a ceasefire.”

Mohammed Anhar Mia, 50, also from Newport said showing solidarity with the Palestinian people was the “least we can do”.

“You don’t have to be Palestinian to support their cause. Look what’s happening – all those people and children are dying.”

Ms Morden was contacted for comment, as was Newport West MP Ruth Jones.