WHEN he was Lord Mayor of York, Cllr David Horton welcomed a group of women from Gaza to the Mansion House. I met them there. I don’t know whether they are dead or alive now.

York is a city of sanctuary and human rights. If that statement means anything, York’s political leaders should be expressing outrage at the killing and maiming of Palestinian civilians – including hundreds of children, the destruction of homes and infrastructure, and the collective punishment inflicted by Israel on ordinary people in Gaza. These acts are war crimes.

York people can make a peaceful and principled stand by boycotting Israeli goods and produce. The city council and universities should have no dealings with organisations associated with Israel until it complies with international law and United Nations resolutions.

York Green Party calls for sanctions against Israel. Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg have condemned Israeli aggression. But York’s Labour administration remains silent.

Cllr James Alexander should speak up for Gaza as other Labour council leaders have, and express solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people. Otherwise “York City of Sanctuary” is just a hollow slogan.

Colin Hall, Tower Place, York.