A coalition of UK charities is urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new government to immediately take action to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and reset foreign policy towards Palestine. In an open letter, twenty NGOs and human rights groups outlined the first steps the government should take in the first 100 days of office, including upholding international law and using diplomatic leverage to prevent further atrocities in the nine-month-long war.
The organisations, which include groups operating in Gaza such as Action For Humanity and Medical Aid for Palestinians, highlighted the humanitarian crisis facing Gaza’s 2.3 million population and the escalating violence in the occupied West Bank. They emphasized the need for the UK government to address the occupation, prevent atrocity crimes, and protect civilians.
The letter detailed immediate actions the government should take, such as securing a ceasefire, halting arms transfers to Israel, and addressing the blockade of Gaza. As Israel continues forced evacuations in Gaza, the organisations expressed concern over the risk of genocide and urged the government to take urgent action to prevent further civilian casualties and destruction.