A vote calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza caused division in the Assembly chamber, with 26 Unionist politicians voting against it. 

However, local Unionist politicians have stressed that while they aren't opposed to a ceasefire in Gaza, they are opposed to the wording of the motion that called for it. 

The motion proposed that the Assembly "condemns the ongoing genocide in Gaza that has left more than 35,000 people dead", and to "further condemn" the actions of Hamas on October 7. 

Other elements of the motion include a call for an end to arms sales and transfers to Israel. 

However, before the recent vote, the Ulster Unionists tabled an amendment which included the omission of the word "genocide", as well as the use of "emotive language". 

This amendment was not selected for debate, and the original motion was passed despite 26 Unionist politicians registering their opposition. 

UUP MLA Tom Elliott said that the vote was an "attempt to create division".

He said: "This motion was an opportunity to bring the chamber together in such condemnation, allowing for a cross-party call for both a ceasefire and an immediate release of hostages, while supporting the position of the Assembly of the region working towards a two-state solution.
 
“Instead, we saw a motion which focused on attacking Israel, calling on the UK government to cease arms sales and using emotive terms such as genocide rather, than recognising that every life lost is one too many."

On the amendment, Mr. Elliott said: "I believe that, had the opposition motion been worded in a way which concentrated on the abhorrent human suffering, on ending the killing and understanding the complex nature of Middle East politics, it would have received the support of the full Assembly.”

Meanwhile, Deborah Erskine said she voted against the motion because she felt it was "very poorly worded" and "inaccurate".  

“Every innocent loss of life is appalling and there is nobody who celebrates the war that is happening in Gaza and Israel," the MLA said.

"However, this motion was very poorly worded and inaccurate. It failed to recognise that Hamas as a terrorist organisation, carried out heinous acts against women, men and children on October 7, last year. 

"Hamas do not recognise or accept a two-state solution. Therefore Israel should be able to defend itself. 

"For this reason, I voted against the motion, however, I do condemn the innocent loss of life.”