Hi John,
After 15 months of Israel’s genocidal attacks on Gaza, a temporary pause has begun. We can only hope there will now be some respite for the people of Gaza, who have lived under unspeakable brutality and horror for so long. But we must also use this moment to push for justice for all Palestinians.
Israel has killed at least 46,000 people in Gaza and destroyed the water, food and health systems needed to keep people alive.[1] It will take years for those who have survived to rebuild their lives. And even if the ceasefire deal holds, it does nothing to end Israel’s violent, illegal occupation of Palestinian land.
Up to now, the UK government has been complicit in Israel’s genocide, supplying it with weapons and diplomatic support, including a shocking pledge to deepen trade ties with the country amid daily massacres.[2] As the extent of Israel’s crimes becomes even clearer, this ceasefire must be a turning point. Will you write to your MP now and demand the UK government pushes for a permanent ceasefire, an end to Israel’s occupation, and accountability for its war crimes?
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For now, this is a temporary truce – and Israel’s leaders are already threatening more violence in Gaza. Even if the deal holds, the situation Palestinians now face is one of destruction in Gaza and heightened oppression across the West Bank, with Israel’s construction of illegal settlements accelerating last year and attacks by Israeli settler groups continuing with virtual impunity.
The impact of Israel’s genocidal acts is also continuing – almost everyone in Gaza has been displaced, people are at urgent risk of starvation and disease, and countless buildings have been destroyed. As well as Israel allowing full and unhindered access for food and medical supplies, we must continue to push the UK for a full arms embargo and an end to cosy trade relations that sanitise Israel’s war crimes and provide support to its illegal occupation.
A huge movement up and down the UK has forced our government to change tack on some issues, including halting the sale of some arms to Israel.[3] The number of MPs speaking out against Israel’s war crimes and occupation has also been growing – but we need more to put pressure on the government.
We must act together now to end UK complicity in Israel’s crimes.
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We are all hoping that the ceasefire holds, that it results in a complete and final end to the bombing and that humanitarian aid will now reach everyone who needs it. But there can be no return to normal in the UK’s relations with Israel. Israel’s leaders must be held accountable – and we must seek justice for all Palestinians.
Thanks for everything you're doing,
Tim Bierley
Campaigner at Global Justice Now
Notes
1. How 15 months of war has devastated Gaza, BBC, 16 January 2024
2. Israel still wants UK trade deal despite rage over arms ban, Politico, 26 September 2024
3. UK suspends 30 arms export licences to Israel after review, Guardian, 2 September 2024
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