The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
10 Downing Street
London, SW1A 2AA
Subject: Urgent Call to Cease Arms Exports to Israel Amidst Genocide in Gaza
Dear Prime Minister Sunak,
We are writing to you once again on behalf of The Orient House and our community partners, deeply troubled by the escalating atrocities unfolding in Gaza. The situation has reached unprecedented levels of devastation, with reports from respected humanitarian and human rights organizations documenting widespread destruction, indiscriminate attacks on civilians, and severe restrictions on life-sustaining supplies, constituting what many, including UN Special Rapporteurs, have described as genocide.
In January and February of this year, we formally reached out to your office, urging immediate action to address the crisis, particularly highlighting the grave implications of the UK’s continued arms exports to Israel. Despite our earlier correspondence, which underscored the urgent need to protect the fundamental rights and dignity of civilians in Gaza, arms transfers have persisted, effectively enabling actions that devastate families, destroy essential infrastructure, and obstruct humanitarian aid efforts.
The people of Gaza are enduring unimaginable suffering—children, women, and men face daily threats to their lives, denied the most basic protections afforded under international humanitarian law. Vital infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, has been severely impacted, and restrictions on essential supplies have resulted in acute shortages of food, water, and medical resources. The indiscriminate nature of these attacks and the targeted assaults on civilian life and infrastructure unmistakably point to atrocities that cannot be ignored or rationalized.
We urge you, Prime Minister, to act immediately by halting all arms exports to Israel. Such a measure is not only aligned with the UK’s moral responsibilities but is also a legal imperative under international law, given the risk of these weapons being used in violation of human rights. The UK must take a decisive stand that aligns with its commitment to global peace and justice, reinforcing its dedication to human rights rather than enabling their violation.
This moment calls for clarity, compassion, and action. We appeal to you to take this essential step toward restoring hope and security for those who are suffering immeasurably. It is our firm belief that a policy reevaluation, which prioritizes the rights and protection of innocent civilians, will send a powerful message that the UK upholds justice and accountability above all else.
We look forward to a prompt and compassionate response to our appeal.
Yours sincerely,
The Orient House