A coalition of prominent UK civil society networks has released a joint statement calling on the UK government to take stronger action against Israel and formally recognise a Palestinian state as a step toward lasting peace. The appeal comes ahead of next week’s high-level sessions of the UN General Assembly.
The networks warn that, despite what they describe as mounting evidence of genocide documented by the UN Commission of Inquiry, the UK continues to fall short of its obligations under international law. They urge the government to demand immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza to avert famine, fully support the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to hold Israel accountable, and use all available measures to ensure compliance with international rulings. The statement calls on the UK to end arms sales and transfers to Israel, suspend preferential trade agreements, halt economic cooperation that enables violations of international law, sanction officials and entities responsible for atrocities, and adopt measures to prevent UK businesses from contributing to rights abuses in Gaza and the West Bank.
The networks point to actions by countries such as Spain, Ireland and Sweden as examples of stronger measures, including legally codified arms embargoes and entry bans for individuals involved in alleged war crimes—steps the UK has yet to take.
Signatories include Bond, the UK network for NGOs, Climate Action Network UK, Scotland’s International Development Alliance, the Welsh Centre for International Affairs, the Trade Justice Movement and other leading organisations. They stress that the UK must go beyond statements and demonstrate genuine leadership in pursuing justice, accountability and peace.
