The Palestinian ambassador has thanked Oxford for its "principled position" on Gaza at the town hall.

Husam S. Zomlot addressed a full city council meeting on Monday evening where he spoke about the city's response to the Israel-Gaza war. 

It comes after councillors had voted unanimously for an "immediate, permanent ceasefire" in November.

Leader Susan Brown was asked to write to Foreign Secretary David Cameron to raise concerns over violence in the conflict. 

Oxford Mail: There was a long queue outside the town hall.There was a long queue outside the town hall. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

READ MORE: New Bella Italia restaurant opens in Witney town centre

Some residents criticised the move at the time saying the matter was not relevant to a local council.

Mr Zomlot said: "The British government needs to turn its words into actions.

"Cities like Oxford can help in this endeavour.

"We acknowledge and salute your principled position early on.

"We will continue the long journey.

"The more people who work with us, the shorter the distance.

"So from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for all you have been doing."

The speech from the ambassador comes after 10 city council resignations from Labour following criticism of the party's stance at a national level on the issue.

Oxford Mail: The public gallery.The public gallery. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

Council leader Susan Brown said at Monday's meeting she was "incredibly grateful" to the ambassador for accepting the invitation.

She concluded: "As a city council we will do everything we can to support our twinned city of Ramallah."