Senior UK politicians from Scotland, Wales & N. Ireland urge PM Keir Starmer to recall parliament and impose immediate sanctions on Israel.
"The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza" is described as "both man-made and avoidable" in the letter, which was quoted by the Scottish daily newspaper the National.
“It is characterized not only by relentless bombardment and destruction, but by the deliberate creation of conditions that are starving a civilian population,”
it said.
“The blocking of food, water, and medical supplies has precipitated what UN agencies and humanitarian experts describe as a man-made famine; one that is rapidly claiming lives and inflicting irreparable harm on an already traumatized population,”
the letter added.
In order to protect civilians and ensure a fair, sustainable peace, the signatories urge the prime minister to support a ceasefire and significant diplomatic involvement, recall parliament, and impose sanctions on Israel.
Along with supporting "independent, international investigations into alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide in Gaza," the letter demands that all arms sales to Israel be immediately stopped.
In order to ensure that food, water, medicine, and humanitarian goods are delivered to Gaza without hindrance, the UK was encouraged to exercise its "diplomatic influence."
“The UK’s moral standing and commitment to human rights will be measured by its response to this crisis,”
the letter added.
“We urge you to act decisively by standing against the man-made famine, the mass killing of children, and the broader assault on civilian life.”
Since October 2023, the Israeli army has waged a bloody war in the Gaza Strip, murdering up to 62,000 Palestinians while ignoring international demands for a truce.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were both wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza last November.
Because of its war on the enclave, Israel is also facing a genocide prosecution at the International Court of Justice.
What are the main reasons behind the UK politicians' call for sanctions on Israel?
They accuse Israel of widespread and systematic breaches of international humanitarian law, including illegal military assaults on Gaza and violations associated with the occupation of Palestinian territories.
Over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed during the war in Gaza, with many politicians describing these actions as amounting to or risking genocide due to relentless bombardment, forced displacement, and cutting off humanitarian aid.
The UK, as a signatory to the Genocide Convention, has binding obligations to prevent acts that may amount to genocide and ensure accountability for those responsible. Continued political, diplomatic, and military support to Israel is viewed as morally indefensible and risks putting the UK in breach of international legal duties.