Israel has resumed its brutal military assault on Gaza. Governments must take action, end arms transfer to Israel and hold them accountable.

Following an 11-week blockade of humanitarian aid, Israeli forces are letting in minimal assistance, the UN has called this a ‘drop in the ocean.’ Whilst this restricted aid might be welcomed, it continues to be used as a weapon of war, with Palestinians being killed whilst trying to seek aid. Israel’s ongoing assaults on Gaza only highlight the complicity of those governments who refuse to call out Israel’s actions. This violence is also now spilling over into the occupied West Bank.

Since October 2023, Israeli forces have killed more than 60,000 Palestinian people and despite the International Court of Justice ruling their actions amount to a “plausible” risk of genocide, Israel has continued to act with impunity. Most Western governments, including those in the UK and US, have refused to call out Israel for their actions. Choosing to ignore the overwhelming evidence that International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law is being breached, these governments are allies to the atrocities.

Along with other international NGOs, including Medical Aid for Palestinians, Save the Children UK and Christian Aid UK, we are calling for the UK Government to end its complicity in Israel’s atrocities in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT).

Take Action:

Our shared humanity is being degraded right before our eyes. Demand better from our leaders:

• Share the #AllyToAtrocities film. Call on Keir Starmer and David Lammy to stop being allies to atrocities.
• Write to your MP. Ask that they call on the UK Government to suspend all arms transfers to Israel, hold all perpetrators accountable and act now to prevent further atrocities.
• Explore the #AllyToAtrocities  supporter toolkit on more ways to get involved.

At Peace Direct, we take the lead from local contacts in Palestine, Lebanon and the region who tell us it is not possible to have true local “peacebuilding” in a context of such injustice and unaccountability. Nor should the concept of peacebuilding be used to normalise occupation. Our local contacts ask how peacebuilding can operate amongst ongoing colonial occupation, or when Palestinian and Lebanese people are continually dehumanised by Western governments and international media.

The UK Government must urgently:  

• Suspend all arms transfers to Israel, including parts for F-35 fighter jets.
• Hold all perpetrators accountable and end Israel’s impunity.
• Take all possible steps to bring an end to Israel’s unlawful occupation.

There can be no peace without an end to the occupation and genocide.