The past year has witnessed an unfolding tragedy of monumental proportions in Palestine, Lebanon and the wider Middle East. Nearly 42,000 Palestinians killed, innocent lives lost, each one a father, a mother, a son and a daughter. Each a unique story cut short, like the newborn twins Asser and Aysal Al-Qumsan, whose future was stolen before it could unfold. We stand in solemn remembrance and demand an immediate cessation of violence.
Gaza’s innocents bear the weight of collective punishment. They are the victims of a response grossly disproportionate to the October 7th attacks, which we clearly condemned. Then, as now, our stance remains firm: The targeting of innocent civilians can never be excused or justified.
The systematic destruction of Gaza is not collateral damage, it bears the hallmarks of calculated and organised atrocity: a campaign of vengeance that knows no bounds. With each passing day, lives are lost, homes reduced to rubble, and a humanitarian catastrophe deepens. Israel now faces credible accusations of war crimes and plausible genocide, compelling the UK to fulfill its moral and legal obligations.
Zara Mohammed, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, stated: “Many British families have been significantly affected by the war in Gaza, with some losing up to 70 family members. The devastation we have witnessed is unconscionable, as the violence continues to escalate across the region, leading to the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent civilians. Communities have been fractured, trust in the political system has been eroded, and an urgent ceasefire is needed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all innocent victims of this conflict.”
The very framework of international law and a rules-based system, which Britain helped forge, now lies in tatters. Israel’s occupation, apartheid policies, and systematic oppression have shattered the very framework that underpins global justice. The world must respond with unwavering resolve. Britain has a moral and historical obligation to lead the call for immediate sanctions against Israel, an international investigation into war crimes, and unequivocally demand an end to the plausible genocide in Gaza. To fail in this duty is to turn our backs on the values we stand for as a nation.
As this tragedy unfolds abroad, its ripple effects are deeply felt at home. British Muslims face a tide of Islamophobia, often stoked by those exploiting tragedy for political gain. We equally condemn the rise in antisemitism, recognising that hatred in any form undermines our collective pursuit of justice. Yet, we stand resolute. Across Britain, a diverse coalition of voices — Muslims, Christians, Jews, people of all faiths and none — unite in their call for a just and lasting peace.
The world watches, and history will judge us by the courage of our convictions. It is time for Britain to lead—to champion justice, accountability and work towards a future where peace and dignity prevail for all.
FACTS
1. The death toll of those killed is now 41,909 largely innocent civilians, an estimated 11,000 children killed in Gaza, including 710 newborns. Know their names: https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2024/israel-war-on-gaza-10000-children-killed/
2. Attack on Lebanon: Over 1 million displaced and over 1,000 killed in September alone.
3. Islamophobia in Britain: In the first four months after 7 October, there was a 335% increase in anti-Muslim hate cases.