Hi John,
Aid workers on the ground in Rafah are today warning of disaster, with Palestinians having “nowhere safe to go”, many having fled for their lives several times already. (1) The United Nations says that hundreds of thousands of people would be “at imminent risk of death” if Israel carries out a military assault on the city. (2)
In this horrific context, the UK continues to provide support to Israel’s government, last month approving continued arms sales and deeper trade ties with Israel. Britain is complicit with Israel’s war crimes, but ordinary people across this country have not given their backing to this: we must continue to raise our voices.
Can you join the campaign to stop arms sales to Israel by emailing the foreign secretary now?
|
|
The International Court of Justice found in January that there is a “plausible” case that Israel is committing genocide. The UK should have put in place an arms embargo long ago. But Israel’s violent raid on Rafah also appears to cross a red line set by the UK government itself.
In February, ministers said they would consider suspending arms export licences to Israel if its military launched a ground offensive on the city, now the world’s largest camp for displaced people. (3)
The vast majority of UK voters think the government should stop exporting arms to Israel. (4) The Green Party, the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party and many prominent Labour and Conservative figures have all called for the UK to do so. Canada, Belgium, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands already have, to different degrees.
Please write to the UK government now and tell it to impose an arms embargo.
|
|
While the UK government continues to issue warnings over Israel’s attack on Rafah, it’s clear that words aren’t enough to stop the slaughter. As negotiations over a ceasefire continue, the most obvious way to stop the weapons from killing people is to cut off Israel’s source of weapons.
A ban on arms sales from Western powers like the UK would significantly affect Israel’s ability to carry out such war crimes and ramp up the pressure on its leaders who continue with apparent impunity to sanction the slaughter of civilians.
Since 2015 the UK has licensed at least £487 million worth of arms exports to Israel, Campaign Against Arms Trade has shown. UK companies are responsible for around 15% of components for F-35 fighter jets, which have been heavily involved in the bombing of Gaza, and are worth an estimated £336 million alone.
This is not just about past exports. The government admitted in January that there are 28 ongoing arms export licences to Israel, and 28 pending applications for equipment most likely to be used by the Israeli forces in offensive operations, including for combat aircraft. With every day the UK fails to act, its complicity in the killing deepens.
Please email David Cameron, the foreign secretary, now.
|
|
|
It’s time this government uses its power to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire, suspend trade negotiations with Israel, and implement an arms embargo. Anything less is abetting and aiding unfolding war crimes.
In solidarity,
Tim Bierley,
Campaigner at Global Justice Now
Notes
1. There is ‘nowhere safe to go’ for the 600,000 children of Rafah, warns UNICEF, UNICEF, 6 May 2024
2. The Latest | Israel’s planned invasion of Rafah risks killing hundreds of thousands, UN says, AP, 4 May 2024
3. UK to consider suspending arms exports to Israel if Rafah offensive goes ahead, The Guardian, 21 February 2024
4. Majority of voters in UK back banning arms sales to Israel, poll finds, The Guardian, 3 April 2024
|
|
It’s time to stop big corporations ruling our world
While much of the world suffers from a cost of living crisis, the five biggest corporations are earning more than a quarter of the world's population. We exist as part of a global movement to challenge corporate power and promote sustainable alternatives.
Be part of a movement that makes a difference
|
|
|
|
|
