HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON, SW1A 0AA
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
10 Downing Street
-sent by email-
13th March 2024
Dear Prime Minister,
I am writing to express my continued concern about the ongoing situation in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and the lack of action taken by your government.
This week marked the start of the holy month of Ramadan which serves as a time of reflection, peace, and celebration for Muslims.
However, the war in Gaza is overshadowing the month of Ramadan with United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres saying: “Yet even though Ramadan has begun – the killing, bombing and bloodshed continue in Gaza.”
More than 31,000 Palestinians have now been killed with women and children making up two thirds of deaths. A further 700,000 people are reported to have been wounded.
People in Gaza are dying of starvation and the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme said this week that famine is imminent in northern Gaza if the size of aid entering does not increase “exponentially.”
Twelve of Israel’s most prominent human rights organisations stated that Israel is failing to comply with the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) provisional ruling that it should facilitate access of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
A recent report by the BBC found that raids by Israeli Defense Forces of hospitals in Gaza with Palestinian medical staff blindfolded, detained, forced to strip, and repeatedly beaten by Israeli troops. These raids are potentially in breach of international law which protects hospitals and medical staff in times of armed conflict.
In the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the Israeli government announced a move to limit access to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem during Ramadan, citing security needs. This is a clear violation of the right to freedom of religion or belief.
Given the deteriorating situation, I am calling on you to:
• Work with the international partners to secure an immediate ceasefire.
• Secure the release of Israeli hostages.
• Ensure Israel complies with the ICJ order and implements the court’s provisional measures including facilitating access to humanitarian aid and food to enter Gaza.
• Suspend arms exports in line with our obligations under international law.
• Protect Palestinians’ right to freedom of religion or belief.
Yours sincerely,
Marsha de Cordova MP