“For those in Gaza now, suspending less than 10% of the UK’s arms licences to Israel is simply not enough.”
By Apsana Begum MP
Every day, every hour, more atrocities are being committed in Gaza.
Israel is also expanding its military operations into the West Bank.
The difference in the value placed on human life globally, against the value placed on Palestinian life is clear for all to see.
What is happening in Gaza challenges the very notion of the commitment of Western powers to human rights and dignity.
Because what they have been willing to do — is not only turn a blind eye — but actively facilitate their ally, Israel, to pursue their foreign policy interests.
This week’s announcement from the Government may be a step forward. But for 41,000 plus civilians killed by Israel, supported by the UK, it is too little too late.
For those in Gaza now, suspending less than 10% of the UK’s arms licences to Israel is simply not enough. All arms and supporting technologies going to Israel to be used against civilians must be stopped.
We need justice for what has been done.
That must not only include an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
It must also include immediate and unconditional recognition of the State of Palestine.
We will continue to come together for as long as is needed.
We will continue to hold power accountable.
The Palestinian solidarity movement is diverse and it is multi-cultural. It’s a cause of humanity and hope in defiance of the scale of what is happening.
We stand together on the right side of history – because our struggles for liberation are connected. Because none of us are really free until all of us are free.
- Apsana Begum is the MP for Poplar and Limehouse and a regular contributor to Labour Outlook. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and TikTok. This piece is based on her speech at the September 7 national demo for Palestine.
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