Leader of Hounslow Council, Cllr Shantanu Rajawat has shared a statement on the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza calling for the borough to come together.

After an attack by the armed Palestinian group, Hamas, on Israel, the Israelis declared war on the Gaza Strip on Saturday 7 October which has not found a resolution yet.

In his statement Cllr Shantanu Rajawat said:

"I know that everyone in the borough of Hounslow will share our shock and sadness at recent events in Israel and Gaza. Many of our residents will have been personally affected with friends or family members being caught up in the conflict. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured, held captive or who have lost loved ones. We also recognise the wider impact these events have had due to the appalling scenes that have played out across TV screens here at home. We know many residents will be feeling concerned about the future in the Middle East and how that impacts communities here.  

"Hounslow is a strong and united borough with communities of all backgrounds and faiths. During such difficult times it is important for us to come together, to recognise people's concerns, listen to each other and treat each other with respect and compassion. We support the Metropolitan Police Service who are appealing for calm, for vigilance and for people to come forward and report any hate crime across London.  

"We back Friends of Faith – an interfaith charity in Hounslow – in their call for peace, dialogue and reconciliation. This, ultimately, must be the only way forward." 

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