NORTH Manchester councillors have called for the government to take decisive action in helping to restore peace in Gaza.

Cheetham Hill councillor Afzal Khan met with John Jenkins, Middle East Director in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to discuss the conflict and the government’s position.

"We spoke of the work the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister are doing to liase with other heads of government, and the government's policy of not talking to Hamas," said Cllr Khan.

"I believe that they should talk. We have a good example of Northern Ireland where, when talks began with the IRA, we were able to get to the position we have today.

"I told Mr Jenkins that the government needs to seek an immediate ceasefire, with the lifting of the blockade against Gaza, and an end to this snail-pace peace process.

"There is enough good will in the world to achieve this; make 2009 a year of peace in the Middle East."

Meanwhile, Cllr Khan’s peers echoed his call for peace in a meeting of the council’s ‘Labour Group’ on Tuesday night.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Harpurhey councillor Pat Karney said: "The senseless loss of civilian lives in Gaza is shocking and horrific and it is clear that there is no military solution for either side in this dispute.

"I have today written to Gordon Brown and to David Miliband urging them to do all they can to bring an end to this conflict to avoid further humanitarian disaster."