Take action for Gaza: Tell the British government to stop arming Israel
- by: War on Want
- recipient: Foreign Secretary, William Hague
On 14 November 2012, the Israeli army began attacking Gaza with drones, Apache helicopters, F-16 fighter jets and naval vessels. For eight days, civilian areas of Gaza were bombarded by Israel from air and sea with over 150 men, women and children losing their lives.
This attack on Gaza was only made possible through the continued financial, military and diplomatic support Israel receives from Western states. We must ensure we take action to help end the suffering for good.
By selling arms to Israel, the British government is giving direct material support for Israel's aggression against the Palestinian people and sending a clear message of approval for its actions. The British government licensed arms exports to Israel between 2008 and 2012 amounting to £130 million.
Call on Foreign Secretary William Hague to introduce an immediate arms embargo on Israel until it ends its violations of international law.
Dear Foreign Secretary,
Israel's latest military assault on one of the most densely populated areas in the world, occupied Gaza, has had a devastating impact on the civilian population. Israel's bombardment of Gaza has once again led to huge loss of life and human suffering, only adding to the already existing humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by Israel's illegal siege on the territory.
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By selling arms to Israel, the British government is giving direct material support for Israel's aggression and sending a clear message of approval for its actions. War on Want has evidence that the British government licensed arms exports to Israel between 2008 and 2012 amounting to £130 million.
The principal barrier to peace with justice is Israel's continuing violations of human rights and international law and its policies of collective punishment. This latest escalation of violence demonstrates exactly why the UK should not be arming Israel.
I urge you to introduce an immediate and comprehensive two-way arms embargo on Israel until it ends its violations of international law and Palestinian human rights.
