Today I’ve joined 114 other parliamentary colleagues, from both Houses and all main parties, in writing to the Prime Minister, calling for the UK government to support a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the unrestricted humanitarian aid that is so desperately needed. 

In the letter, we urge the Prime Minister to support all measures to prevent further killings, which includes: 

• An immediate humanitarian cease-fire by all belligerents. 
• The release of all hostages. 
• The presence of independent, international observers on the ground in Israel and Gaza. 
• Providing unrestricted aid to civilians in Gaza – fuel, clean water, food, medical help and supplies.  
• Protecting the human rights of both Israelis and Palestinians, including guaranteeing the right of forced transferees to return home. 
• Working with partners for a definitive resolution of the conflict realising the Palestinian right to self-determination and mutual security for both peoples. 

The letter has been co-ordinated by the Council for Arab-British Understanding (Caabu), which works for a British Middle East policy that promotes conflict resolution, human rights and civil society in the Arab world through informed debate and mutual understanding. There were many other Parliamentarians who expressed support for the letter, but were not able to sign due to front bench duties and party positions. 

You can read the letter here and below, and read more about the work that CAABU does here.