31st December 2008

Dear Prime Minister,

The illegal and inhumane bombardment of the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces has shocked us all. The images beamed around the globe show the horror of death and destruction unleashed against an Occupied People, contrary to all humanitarian standards. The mass outrage expressed on the streets of Britain is yet to be reflected in the actions of our government, and this is unacceptable.

While Gaza mourns its dead the deafening silence of our Prime Minister and government is a source of great bewilderment. Is it not time for a firm intervention that brings relief to the thousands of injured? We can only imagine conditions in the beleaguered hospitals where the most basic medicines were exhausted before the attacks, because of the inhumane blockade imposed on the million and a half inhabitants of the strip.

Since 2006, humanitarian conditions have deteriorated to unprecedented levels. Parents who have watched babies die; 600,000 children now suffer from post traumatic disorder as a result of Israeli state terror and international sanctions. It is time to stop this brutality and allow the Palestinian people to live in peace and dignity. 

A few weeks ago, it was notable how you rightly rushed to Islamabad and New Delhi in the wake of the Mumbai attacks in order to calm all parties, avert escalation and further bloodshed. One wonders if you intend to visit Tel Aviv and make clear to the Israeli leadership  nothing can excuse nor justify targeting charities, hospitals, medical stores and pharmacies, mosques and universities, causing maximum casualties. Will you then proceed to Gaza and console the orphans and widows of this brutal campaign?

Prime Minister, this is your hour with history and we urge you to take the first step. We expect nothing less of our government than an unequivocal condemnation of Israel’s actions, as it has condemned similar brutalities committed by various states around the world. We urge you to ensure:

·         An immediate end to Israel’s military assault on Gaza

·         An immediate end to the blockade and siege on Gaza

·         An end to Israel’s violation of international law

·         An end to Israeli occupation

Muslim Council of Britain, Al-Khoei Foundation, British Muslim Initiative, Federation of Student Islamic Societies, Friends of Al-Aqsa,Dawat ul Islam, Islamic Human Rights Commission, Islamic Forum Europe, Muslim Association of Britain, Palestinian Forum in Britain, Palestinian Return Centre, Respect, Stop the War Coalition, Sri Lanka Islamic Forum UK, UK Islamic Mission.