Ceasefire in Gaza

I am extremely disturbed by the horrific situation in ongoing the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Nearly 10 months on the death toll from the brutal Israeli bombardments and attacks is truly shocking with more than 38,700 Palestinians killed – the overwhelming majority being innocent civilians including more than 15,000 children. This is completely unjustifiable.

The horrific killing of 1,200 Israeli civilians in October 2023 was ruthless and inexcusable, but Israel’s response has seen more than 31 times as many innocent Palestinians killed – this is completely disproportionate. This collective punishment, with entire neighbourhoods bombed to destruction and almost all civilian infrastructure destroyed. Furthermore, the entire population of Gaza is not only under constant threat of attack but also is on the brink of death with a desperate shortage of food, fuel, medicine and equipment.

The lack of any serious, meaningful resolve by the international community to end the conflict is tearing apart hopes for peace as frustrations grow and as more and more innocent people suffer needlessly. The region now faces a clear and present danger of the conflict growing that would have far reaching and devastating consequences.

His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has repeatedly expressed deep concern at the increasing injustice and international apathy. His Holiness has said,

“The situation has crossed all bounds. …The USA previously said that going into Rafah was their red line, but now say it isn’t, and no one knows what their red line truly is…May Allah Almighty grant the innocent protection.”

“May Allah enable the major powers to fulfil the obligations of justice on both sides in order to establish peace.”

His Holiness has repeatedly urged all world powers to de-escalate the conflict, and has emphasised the need for a lasting, peaceful solution based on justice, cautioning that,

“As long as world leaders do not courageously strive for a ceasefire, they are invariably responsible for taking the world towards destruction.”

For the sake of humanity this suffering must stop.

I urge you to support this call for peace and press the UK Government to use all available means to secure an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages. Furthermore, humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach all who need it, and all parties must comply with international laws. Equally importantly every action must be taken to ensure that a lasting and just peace is secured for the region and the wider world.

Yours sincerely,