UK must use influence to help protect civilians in Gaza – aid agencies

Twelve aid agencies have called on Rishi Sunak to push for an end to fighting in and around Gaza and an end to the Israeli siege.
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip (Leo Correa/PA)
AP
Dominic McGrath14 October 2023
WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Twelve aid agencies have called on Rishi Sunak to push for an end to fighting in and around Gaza and an end to the Israeli siege amid mounting concerns about civilian casualties.

A joint statement on Saturday urged the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to help bring the situation to an end and “prevent further suffering”.

The statement was released by Oxfam, Action Against Hunger, War Child, Islamic Relief, Christian Aid, Cafod, Plan International UK and Humanity and Inclusion.

Other signees include Action Aid UK, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Care International UK and the Norwegian Refugee Council.

They said: “We are horrified by the escalating violence in recent days and the mounting civilian death toll in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. Nothing can ever justify the deliberate targeting of civilians; hostage taking; cutting off food and water supplies; and indiscriminate and disproportionate military attacks.

“The priority now must be to prevent further suffering.

“The UK should be using its influence to ensure International Humanitarian Law is upheld, that civilians are protected in accordance with those laws, and that they have access to critical lifesaving humanitarian support.”

The statement calls on the Government to press all parties involved to agree an “immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities”, as well as ensuring the immediate release of captives.

They also urge all parties to allow emergency aid to reach people in Gaza and an “immediate end to the total siege, ensuring unfettered humanitarian access”.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in