UK Govt must end their complicity and act to prevent genocide

United Nations relief chief Tom Fletcher asked yesterday in the UN Security Council, 'So, for those killed and those whose voices are silenced: what more evidence do you need now? Will you act – decisively – to prevent genocide and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law?'

Christian Aid believes that the UK Government is clearly failing to meet its obligation towards Palestinians in Gaza. After more than 18 months of Israeli military bombardment, mass displacement, at least 50,000 killed and around three quarters of homes and other buildings destroyed, Palestinians are now burying their children who are dying from hunger.

We are now witnessing the sight of malnourished babies on our TV screens every night. International experts warn that one in five people in Gaza – 500,000 – faces starvation.

Meanwhile Israel continues to block aid from getting into Gaza. This latest complete siege has lasted for more than 2 months.

In 2024, The International Court of Justice was clear that Israel must take steps to prevent genocide while they deliberated on this international crime. The UK Government has an obligation to do all within its power to ensure that Israel complies with the Court – a duty they have shamefully failed to perform.

If the UK Government believes in a law-based world order that protects the vulnerable and holds to account those who commit crimes, then they must end their complicity and act immediately to prevent genocide now.