Ceasefire in Gaza

I am writing about the horrific situation in Gaza where the entire population is suffering due to a complete lack of food, water and medicine and due to the relentless bombing campaign by Israel.

The recent multilateral statement by the UK, France and Canada is welcome but it must become a turning point for this conflict and for bringing an end to the inhumanity being inflicted on the innocent civilians.

Over 19 months on, the Israeli bombardments have seen more than 53,000 Palestinians killed – the overwhelming majority being innocent civilians, including over 18,000 children. This is completely unjustifiable. The horrific killing of around 1,200 Israeli citizens on 7 October 2023 was ruthless and inexcusable, but Israel’s response has seen over 44 times as many innocent Palestinians killed – this is completely disproportionate.

This collective punishment of the innocent Palestinians is truly shocking. The IPC food security organisation has warned that every single Gazan is facing an acute lack of food and half a million are on the brink of starvation.

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,

“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 press the UK Government to build on its recent statement and use all available means to take concrete steps to secure an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages. Humanitarian aid must now reach all who need it. All parties must comply with international laws and every action must be taken to ensure a lasting and just peace for the region.

Yours sincerely,