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A PR representative for Visit Guernsey has announced she is quitting her role following concerns over comments made by the island's Chief Minister on the Israel/Gaza conflict.
Ellen Groves has been representing the Bailiwick of Guernsey in France since January 2023, but said it is now “unconscionable” to represent the island in France.
In a statement to the media, she drew attention to a statement from Chief Minister Deputy Peter Ferbrache in which he said that the island "stands with Israel unequivocally".
She said that it is no longer possible for her to continue in “my role of defending Guernsey’s culture in France”.
It’s the second time the States of Guernsey's position on a ceasefire has been questioned.
It comes as the UK government voted against the SNP’s motion to call an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The UK’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has consistently said his party wouldn’t support a ceasefire.
Ms Groves said: “France has now joined the global call for a ceasefire. I, in my small role and limited scope as the PR representative for Visit Guernsey in France, strongly recommended Guernsey do the same.
“Yet as of writing, more than a month after the States of Guernsey's statement of ‘unequivocal’ standing by Israel, the government of Guernsey has still made no call for a ceasefire and solidarity also with the people of Palestine. Despite repeated email requests to all deputies from Guernsey residents to do so.”
The States of Guernsey have been given the opportunity to respond to Ms Groves' resignation and her concerns about a States’ stance on a ceasefire.
In Jersey, Chief Minister Kristina Moore co-signed a 'Unity Statement' with the island's Jewish, Muslim, Anglican and Catholic faith leaders earlier this month.
The statement condemned Hamas and supported Israel's "right... to protect itself" from its "terrorism", but added that it is "crucial that Israel's activation of its right to self-defence preserves the fundamental rights of innocent Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank".
Pictured: The Unity Statement made an urgent call for "humanity and restraint in the Middle East".
That statement later received the backing of the Bailiff.
An e-petition calling for the Chief Minister to remove her signature from the statement was lodged by an islander but rejected.
Meanwhile, a separate petition calling for States Members to request a ceasefire in Gaza has amassed 400 signatures at the time of writing.
STATEMENT: CM and faith leaders make urgent call for "humanity and restraint in the Middle East"
WATCH: Jersey must push for Gaza ceasefire, say campaigners
Islanders set to join together in a "plea for humanity"
JOA pledges £200k to meet "urgent needs" of civilians trapped in Gaza
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