PRESS RELEASE
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is horrified by news of an attack on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, an Anglican hospital in which over 500 Palestinians are reported to have been massacred thus far. The hospital was considered a ‘safe zone’, where hundreds of medical staff, patients, and civilians had been taking refuge. This is an unspeakable war crime, and we unequivocally condemn it.
We are witnessing a genocide being committed against a captive population of 2.2 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, half of which are children.
Israeli forces are documented as having committed war crimes in their ongoing siege and assault on the Gaza Strip. Human Rights Watch has confirmed Israeli forces have used white phosphorous, a banned weapon, on densely packed neighborhoods in Gaza and in additional strikes on Lebanon – a war crime under international law. Israel has been pursuing a policy of collective punishment since Monday, 9th October 2023, laying complete siege to Gaza and cutting off all water, electricity, food and fuel – a war crime under international law. Israel has ordered the evacuation of 1.1 million Palestinians from the north of the Gaza Strip to the South, including hospitals in the area – a forcible population transfer, which, apart from possibly amounting to a war crime, could constitute a crime against humanity.
In light of the Israeli government’s disregard for international law and these documented war crimes, last night’s attack against the Palestinian people should be independently investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Our leaders, government and opposition, must understand the gravity of this moment in time and speak out against the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.
We call upon the UK government to do everything within its power to broker an immediate ceasefire and the entry of desperately needed humanitarian aid into Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
We demand an end to the terrifying violence unleashed in the region, one that has already claimed over 4,000 lives, including over 1000 Palestinian children and counting – a violence that threatens continued, unspeakable horrors if not curtailed.
We will continue to strive to ensure Islamophobia and anti-Semitism does not increase on our doorstep, nor will we be divided by those who want to sow division.
We call upon all people of conscience, from across civil society and faith communities, to join us in demanding that our Government take urgent action. International law must be respected; the sanctity of human life must be protected, and a just peace must prevail in the region. Enough is enough.
[ENDS]
Notes to Editors:
- For any media enquiries, please contact: media@mcb.org.uk
- The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is the UK’s largest and most diverse Muslim umbrella organisation with membership spanning national, regional local organisations, mosques, charities and professional networks. It is independent, cross-sectarian and democratic with the leadership team accountable to the membership.