Derry City and Strabane District Council has passed a motion calling on the Stormont Executive to make urgent representations to the Dublin Government, UK Government and relevant international bodies to secure the entry of three mobile maternity units into Gaza.

The motion, proposed by independent councillor Gary Donnelly, notes the continuing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and its devastating impact on pregnant women, new-born babies and families requiring urgent medical care.

It states that three mobile maternity units have been developed to provide safe and secure maternity and new-born care for women and babies in Gaza, and commends fundraising efforts across Ireland which made the units possible. The motion adds that many local residents have contributed directly to the humanitarian effort.

DUP Alderman Niree McMorris said her party supported the motion because it is humanitarian at its heart, adding that when mothers and children are denied essential healthcare, everyone should be concerned. She described the proposal as a practical humanitarian measure aimed at saving lives and protecting vulnerable people.

McMorris said support was based on the principle that humanitarian assistance should be applied consistently and without discrimination, and that human suffering should never be ranked. She added that the value of a child's life, a mother's life or a family's well-being is the same irrespective of which side of a conflict they find themselves on.

People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin said the DUP's support was significant and commended the decision, saying people across the district and across the North would welcome it.

Sinn Féin councillor Pat Murphy said the maternity units should be saving mothers' and babies' lives instead of sitting unused in Cairo, while SDLP councillor Sean Mooney condemned the Israeli government's blocking of the units as grossly unfair.

UUP Alderman Derek Hussey said it was difficult to understand why the denial would exist, and that there can be no acceptable rationale in this case.

Councillor Donnelly welcomed the support, particularly from unionist colleagues, and thanked everyone for their contributions.