Date: February 22, 2024
The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
10 Downing Street
London, SW1A 2AA
Subject: Urgent Call to End Arms Exports, Demand Immediate Ceasefire, and Reconsider Diplomatic Ties with Israel Amidst Gaza Genocide
Dear Prime Minister Sunak,
As representatives of The Orient House, we write with deepening concern and an urgent call to action regarding the ongoing devastation in Gaza. With reports now showing the civilian death toll surpassing 10,000—predominantly women, children, and elderly civilians—the international community can no longer turn a blind eye to what is widely being recognized as genocide. The scale of human suffering, the targeting of civilian areas, and the deprivation of essential services demand an immediate response rooted in justice and humanity.
In light of these escalating atrocities, we respectfully but urgently ask the UK government to implement the following measures:
1. Immediate Cessation of All Arms Exports to IsraelContinued UK arms exports to Israel, while such weapons are being used to violate international humanitarian laws, implicates the UK in this crisis. We call upon the government to cease all arms sales that contribute to the infliction of suffering on Gaza’s civilian population and to align its policies with the UK’s commitments to international law.
2. Demand an Immediate Ceasefire and End to Aggression
The UK’s moral duty extends beyond arms suspensions; we urge the government to actively and vocally call for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. Through diplomatic channels and alliances, the UK must lead in pressing for an end to these catastrophic assaults on Gaza, thereby affirming its commitment to peace, stability, and human dignity.
3. Support Unrestricted Humanitarian Access to Gaza
In coordination with international organizations, the UK should take decisive steps to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access into Gaza. Life-saving aid, including medical supplies, food, and clean water, must be allowed to reach the besieged population immediately. We further request the deployment of mobile medical units, which would provide critical healthcare to those suffering from injuries and a lack of resources.
4. Demand an End to the Genocide and Reassess Diplomatic Ties with Israel
Given the gravity of the situation, we believe it is incumbent upon the UK to take a firmer stance. We urge your government to publicly acknowledge the systematic actions occurring in Gaza as genocide and to review and reconsider the UK’s diplomatic relations with Israel until these actions cease. The continuation of normalized relations under these circumstances cannot be justified and risks compromising the UK’s ethical standing on the global stage.
5. Establish an Independent Investigation into Violations of International Law
To ensure accountability, we call upon the UK to support or initiate an independent investigation into potential war crimes and human rights abuses in Gaza. Such an investigation is essential to establish the facts, uphold justice, and deter future violations.
Prime Minister, this moment demands more than measured diplomacy; it requires a resolute commitment to safeguarding human rights and standing firmly against acts that violate the core principles of humanity. With each day of inaction, more innocent lives are lost, and the suffering inflicted on Gaza deepens. The UK must lead by example, not only suspending arms exports but holding accountable those responsible for these grave violations.
We hope that the government will heed our call, take immediate steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, and pursue justice for those who are enduring unimaginable suffering.
Respectfully,
The Orient House