Today we’ve published new polling which shows that an overwhelming majority (62%) of British people would support the government putting economic sanctions on Israel over its attacks on Gaza – and only one in ten would oppose such measures.(1)
A further 65% of Brits say the government must finally expand its limited suspension of arms to ban all weapons sales to Israel.
Pressure was already mounting on the UK government to do more, as Israeli ministers threaten that Gaza will be “entirely destroyed” and its government all but admits it is carrying out ethnic cleansing. After another horrific attack this week, when Israel fired on starving Palestinians who were trying to collect food, killing at least 27 people, it is clear to the vast majority of people that the UK government cannot stand by any longer.(2)
Our polling showed that across all regions, age and income groups, the British public wants its government to take far stronger action against Israel’s actions. Just as the UK has placed comprehensive sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, it must urgently exert meaningful pressure on Israel.
Our polling was published today in the Mirror – please read and share on social media to help us spread the message.
|
|
Despite issuing stronger rebukes of Israel in recent weeks and suspending talks over a new trade deal with Israel, the government continues to allow key exports for arms used to massacre Palestinians and still offers Israel tariff-free trade under the countries’ existing trade deal.(3) This must change immediately.
Under international law, the UK has a duty to prevent genocide – and use all reasonably available means to do so. Other countries are starting to show the way, with Spain backing a global arms embargo and Ireland and Chile both announcing moves to ban the import of goods produced in Israel’s illegal settlements.(4)
Meanwhile the EU is set to review its trade deal with Israel this month, which contains a clause describing respect for human rights as “essential” to the agreement. In our poll, we found that 60% of Brits think the UK should suspend its own trade deal with Israel – the deal contains an identical human rights clause that the UK should have activated long ago.
Will you share the message that the UK public overwhelmingly backs sanctions on Israel?
|
|
|
As Israel’s daily massacres continue – and it seeks to drive Palestinians from Gaza – the UK is still deeply complicit. We cannot let our leaders get away with it.
|
|
|
Thank you for everything you're doing,
Tim Bierley
Palestine Campaigner, Global Justice Now
|
|
Notes
1. 'Two thirds of Brits want Keir Starmer to end arms sales to Israel, poll shows' Mirror, 5 June 2025
2. Gaza will be entirely destroyed, Israeli minister says Guardian, 6 May 2025
How Israel’s ‘plan’ for Gaza could turbocharge ethnic cleansing Al Jazeera, 7 May 2025
At least 27 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire near aid centre, Gaza authorities say BBC, 3 June 2025
3. New figures reveal massive increase in UK arms exports to Israel as government defends F-35 exemption in court Campaign Against Arms Trade, 15 May 2025
4. Spain hosts European, Arab nations to pressure Israel Deutsche Welle, 26 May 2025
Irish government to unveil bill banning imports from occupied Palestinian territories Guardian, 26 May 2025
Chile to ban goods from Israeli-occupied territories Anadolu Agency, 3 June 2025
|
|
At Global Justice Now we’re proud to be outspoken
We take on issues that others are afraid to touch and we don’t make compromises.
By joining us, you can fight for regulations that put people before profit, and build public pressure against corporate greed.
Become a member and join others standing up to injustice.
|
|
|
|
|
