The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP
Shadow Home Secretary of the United Kingdom
House of Commons
London, SW1A 0AA
Subject: Call to Address Pro-Israel Bias and Endorse Human Rights in Gaza
Dear Mr. Cleverly,
I write to you on behalf of The Orient House and our community members, deeply concerned about your public stance supporting Israel amidst the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Your statements from October 2023 during your visit to Israel which unequivocally endorsed Israel’s actions, ignore mounting evidence from independent bodies and international authorities who have condemned the scale of violence inflicted on Gaza as acts that now meet the legal definitions of genocide.
Your remarks endorsing Israel’s “right to defend itself” fail to acknowledge the asymmetry of power and the context of Israel’s long-standing military occupation, control, and repeated breaches of international law. Such statements, made while the death toll in Gaza includes countless civilians, notably children, are not only factually incomplete but deeply insensitive to the suffering of a population under siege. To endorse Israel’s actions without due scrutiny or balance is to overlook both the humanity and rights of Palestinians and the essential impartiality that the UK should uphold on the world stage.
Furthermore, your comments in October stood in stark contrast to the global outcry that followed the attacks on civilian infrastructure, medical facilities, and essential services in Gaza. Your public platform holds influence, and we are concerned that your position amplifies a narrative that justifies excessive and indiscriminate force rather than supporting dialogue, de-escalation, and respect for human rights.
The severity of the crisis in Gaza requires a measured and unbiased response—one that upholds the UK’s long-standing commitment to human rights and justice. We urge you to re-evaluate your public statements and to adopt a stance that recognizes the plight of all civilians and supports diplomatic efforts to bring about a just and lasting peace. By moving beyond entrenched biases, you have the opportunity to advocate for policies that genuinely seek peace, stability, and the protection of life.
We trust that you will consider the importance of impartiality in these matters and look forward to seeing a more balanced and human rights-focused approach in your future statements and actions.
Respectfully,
The Orient House