As a member of the National Network of Christian Peace Organisations, APF are co-signatories of an urgent petition to the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly MP. In it, we urge him and the UK government to do all they can to de-escalate the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to facilitate dialogue. You can sign the letter here.
The letter will only be open for signatures until Thursday evening to ensure it is sent to the government in good time, so please, if you agree with what is written, sign and share as widely and quickly as possible. I include the text below for convenience.
Dear Foreign Secretary,
We write to you in response to the outbreak of violence in Israel and Palestine. We urge the UK Government to use its influence to help create space for de-escalation and meaningful dialogue in the coming days and weeks, to urgently avert a deepening humanitarian crisis and military conflict that could cost many more lives than have already been tragically lost.
Indiscriminate attacks on civilians violate international humanitarian law. We condemn the Hamas attacks on civilians and the taking of civilian hostages. We also condemn the response of the Israeli Government in bombing of Gaza and targeting of the civilian population. The increased restrictions and complete cutting off of water, electricity, food and fuel constitute collective punishment and will create an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exceeding that which already exists as a result of the 16-year blockade.
We are deeply saddened by the continued violence in the region and urge you work for dialogue and de-escalation. We ask you to support measures for the immediate protection of civilians including a ceasefire, adherence by all parties to international law, and the UN’s call for humanitarian corridors.
Long held concerns about land, peace and security have not been prioritised by the international community. The only way to break the cycle of violence and build a lasting peace is to end the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza and create conditions of justice, equality and peace for all Israelis and Palestinians.
As people of faith, we stand against the Islamophobia and antisemitism many individuals in this country may face as a result of violence in the Middle East. We will do what we can to de-escalate these tensions.
We ask you to avoid supporting polarised arguments and apportioning blame. We ask you to support measures that do not rely on military security but instead build a lasting peace based on justice and equality for all.
To continue our peacemaking work, APF relies on regular donations from members and supporters.
Violence will not bring any solution to the terrible situation. A ceasefire is needed and de-escalation is needed.
Many thanks for your comment. Violence will only breed more violence.