SDLP's Claire Hanna Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has welcomed reports that a ceasefire has been reached between Israel and Hamas.

The deal is expected to end current violence in the region and result in the release of hostages and prisoners.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said: "This is the news that we have been waiting for and I sincerely hope this is not a false dawn. It has been a long and brutal road to get here and the amount of destruction, bloodshed and loss of human life has been utterly devastating. What people in Gaza went through is unimaginable and my thoughts are with them tonight as their nightmare hopefully begins to end, as they are with families who experienced the horror of loss through the wicked actions of Hamas on October 7th.

"The actions of the Israeli government during this latest period of conflict has been horrific, but in no way excuse Hamas and the harm they have caused to their own people. The rehabilitation of Gaza’s services and infrastructure is an enormous task which the global community must pull together and support.

"Given all that we have seen in that region a two-state solution may seem further away than ever, but it is the only viable route to long-term peace. The violence that has destroyed so many lives on both sides of this conflict has proven to be futile and must never be repeated."

ATM Stolen from Newtownabbey Service Station

Detectives in Northern Ireland are appealing for information following the theft of an ATM machine from a Newtownabbey service station in the early hours of Thursday, January 16th.

The ATM, located on the Mallusk Road, was damaged sometime between 1:00 am and 2:00 am, with an undisclosed amount of cash stolen.

"I am appealing to any businesses in the area to check their CCTV footage," said Detective Inspector Lenaghan. "We are also interested in speaking to anyone who may have been in the vicinity at the time of the incident or who has dash-cam footage that could be relevant to the investigation."

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at 101, quoting reference number 142 16/01/25. Reports can also be made online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.

Alliance Welcomes Giant's Park Development

The Alliance Party has welcomed news of the £100 million Giant's Park development.

Councillor Sam Nelson said: "Alliance have campaigned for many years for the redevelopment of Giant’s Park as a valuable green space in North Belfast, so I am delighted that this announcement of investment has been made.

"Giant’s Park presents a significant opportunity for North Belfast. I am hopeful that this redevelopment can create employment opportunities for many local residents and increase tourism in the area while giving a boost to the local economy.

"Importantly, opening Giant’s Park will ensure public access to coastal areas of Belfast Lough and the designated area of ecological importance along the shoreline which will provide valuable opportunities for education and wellbeing.

"As these plans for the park develop, I will work to ensure that the interests of local residents and maintaining the environmental importance of the area remain at the core. I will also continue to work towards improving connectivity between the site and the neighbourhoods in North Belfast, including improved active travel links."