A CITY councillor has said he is "ready and willing" to take part in a collective resignation with other councillors to call for ceasefire in Gaza.

Cllr Mohammed Altaf, Worcester city councillor for Gorse Hill ward, said that he has had people in his community questioning his position on the conflict in Gaza.

The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack in southern Israel, which was followed by a military response from the Israeli government.

Cllr Altaf said he would be prepared to resign if it was in unison with other councillors in the city.

He said: "Some members of my community have questioned what my position is on this matter.

"With some individuals suggesting councillors should resign to oppose the position taken up by their respective parties regarding ceasefire in Gaza.

"I must express that resigning would only be a point in taking if it was in unison with other councillors in the city.

"A collective resignation will have a significant impact and demonstrate the importance of this matter.

"In view of this, I am ready and willing to resign along with other councillors who are willing to join me and show an act of solidarity on this issue. 

"Otherwise, I will continue standing up for what my community in Gorse Hill wants, tolerance, and working together to bring peace."

According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 11,400 Palestinians have been killed in the war, two-thirds of them women and minors. Israel says around 1,200 people died in the Oct 7 attack.

Cllr Mohammed Altaf and County Cllr Allah Ditta joined forces to call for a ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and for there to be a focus on protecting innocent civilians.

Councillor Altaf said: "Like many people across Worcester, I have watched what has been going on with disbelief.

"Far too many innocent people have been caught in this on-going conflict and we see every night that women and children in Gaza are dying.

"The bombing needs to stop, and discussions need to take place in the hope that a peaceful resolution can be achieved.”

Cllr Lynn Denham (Labour), Cllr Marjory Bissett (Green), Cllr James Stanley (Conservative) and Cllr Mel Allcott (Liberal Democrat) published a joint statement extending their thoughts and prayers to victims. 

Worcester City Council have declined to comment on Cllr Altaf's statement.