Dear John,

Over the last few months, we have watched in horror at the unfolding devastation of Gaza.

We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe - both for the hostages still held in Hamas’s brutal captivity, and for the Palestinians whose lives and communities have been destroyed by the ever-expanding Israeli offensive.

In response to this devastation, the United Nations’ independent Commission of Inquiry has declared that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. This declaration follows similar conclusions drawn by globally-recognised Israeli organisations, B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel.

These are vital reports - and speak to the depth of the human suffering across Gaza.

We have long said that Hamas is genocidal and condemned them for their actions.

And we have always supported the role of the International Court of Justice to provide the ultimate determination on genocide in Gaza. But that court is not set to provide a final ruling for at least two years.

And we cannot remain silent in light of the evidence provided by these reports - and what we see unfolding before us.

We must now say it clearly: the Israeli Government is committing genocide in Gaza.

It is extinguishing the conditions for life there.

Creating a man-made famine. Systematically destroying facilities for healthcare. And forcing the displacement of millions of Palestinians – for whom almost nowhere is now safe.

And we have heard the statements of leading Israeli politicians. Like Prime Minister Netanyahu describing Gaza as “that wicked city”. And President Herzog’s claim that "an entire nation…[was] responsible" for Hamas's October 7th terrorist atrocities.

We cannot ignore these statements. We must call them what they are: incitements to genocide.

We are committed to abiding by and supporting whatever determination the ICJ provides, once the legal case has concluded.

But we also have a responsibility to act in the face of atrocities. The UK has a legal responsibility to act to prevent genocide - which the ICJ has already said is a risk.

The President of the United States who wants a Nobel Peace Prize is doing nothing to stop the genocide in Gaza.

That’s why the Prime Minister must use this week’s State Visit to press Donald Trump to finally take action.

The President needs to pick up the phone to Prime Minister Netanyahu and tell him to stop his assault on Gaza City and reopen all aid routes. He also needs to pick up the phone to the Gulf states and help secure the release of the hostages still held by Hamas.

There is also much more which our own Government needs to do in order to pressure Netanyahu and avoid complicity in his crimes.

That must include sanctioning him and his Ministers – and also stopping the export of all weapons to Israel, including F-35 components, to ensure that the UK cannot be complicit in Netanyahu’s ongoing campaign.

The UK cannot shirk its obligations at this critical moment.

We must lead on the world stage in acknowledging these as atrocities – and advocating for a return to diplomacy.

That is the only way to end the suffering in Gaza, get the hostages freed from the Hamas terrorists, agree a ceasefire, and help put Israelis and Palestinians back on the path to a two-state solution – the only way to achieve a lasting peace.

Best wishes,