The scale of death and misery in Gaza, the West Bank and now southern Lebanon warrant so much more action than what we’re seeing. The UK government has repeatedly called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. But the government now needs to back up those words with definitive action.

As Oxfam has noted:

“As a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, the UK has the power to table a resolution under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, enabling the enforcement of sanctions or military measures to secure a ceasefire. While ministers may claim that achieving consensus in the Security Council is challenging, the UK has not sufficiently highlighted that key parties are failing to comply with previous Security Council resolutions or the International Court of Justice’s orders for Israel to increase humanitarian aid and restore essential services.”

As a bare minimum the government should suspend ALL arms sales to Israel. In July the government identified a clear risk that UK arms could be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, leading to the suspension of just 30 out of 350 arms licences to Israel. Yet the UK continues to export components for the F-35 fighter jet programme, despite evidence that F-35 jets were involved in a strike on the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone on 13 July, which caused significant civilian casualties. Approximately 15% of each F-35, including those used by Israel, consists of components made by British companies. The involvement of F-35 jets in civilian harm in Gaza raises serious ethical and legal concerns for the UK government, making it imperative to immediately halt these exports to Israel.

Finally, more assertive action is needed to Israel’s accountability and compliance with international law. The forcible transfer of Palestinians and the annexation of northern Gaza must be opposed. The UK must also take steps to ensure Israel complies with the ICJ’s orders to prevent genocide and the rapid termination of Israel’s unlawful occupation.

It’s why I’ve signed Early Day Motion 221 calling for this and sanctions on the state of Israel. The Government of Israel’s actions are widely and internationally recognised as having gone far beyond self-defence and are actively jeopardising the chances of peace now and in the future for ALL civilians in the region. History will judge harshly those who fail to step up and speak out against what is happening in Gaza and beyond. Handwringing and half measures simply will not cut it anymore. The British government must act decisively.