Liberal Democrats The Prime Minister must use this week’s State Visit to press
Donald Trump to finally take action.



<[link removed]>



Dear John,

Over the last few months, we have watched in horror at the unfolding
devastation of Gaza.

We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe - both for the hostages still
held in Hamas’s brutal captivity, and for the Palestinians whose lives and
communities have been destroyed by the ever-expanding Israeli offensive.

In response to this devastation, the United Nations’ independent Commission
of Inquiry has declared that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians
in Gaza. This declaration follows similar conclusions drawn by
globally-recognised Israeli organisations, B'Tselem and Physicians for Human
Rights-Israel.

These are vital reports - and speak to the depth of the human suffering
across Gaza.

We have long said that Hamas is genocidal and condemned them for their
actions.

And we have always supported the role of the International Court of Justice
to provide the ultimate determination on genocide in Gaza. But that court is
not set to provide a final ruling for at least two years.

And we cannot remain silent in light of the evidence provided by these
reports - and what we see unfolding before us.

We must now say it clearly: the Israeli Government is committing genocide in
Gaza.

It is extinguishing the conditions for life there.

Creating a man-made famine. Systematically destroying facilities for
healthcare. And forcing the displacement of millions of Palestinians – for whom
almost nowhere is now safe.

And we have heard the statements of leading Israeli politicians. Like Prime
Minister Netanyahu describing Gaza as “that wicked city”. And President
Herzog’s claim that "an entire nation…[was] responsible" for Hamas's October
7th terrorist atrocities.

We cannot ignore these statements. We must call them what they are:
incitements to genocide.

We are committed to abiding by and supporting whatever determination the ICJ
provides, once the legal case has concluded.

But we also have a responsibility to act in the face of atrocities. The UK
has a legal responsibility to act to prevent genocide - which the ICJ has
already said is a risk.

The President of the United States who wants a Nobel Peace Prize is doing
nothing to stop the genocide in Gaza.

That’s why the Prime Minister must use this week’s State Visit to press
Donald Trump to finally take action.

The President needs to pick up the phone to Prime Minister Netanyahu and tell
him to stop his assault on Gaza City and reopen all aid routes. He also needs
to pick up the phone to the Gulf states and help secure the release of the
hostages still held by Hamas.

There is also much more which our own Government needs to do in order to
pressure Netanyahu and avoid complicity in his crimes.

That must include sanctioning him and his Ministers – and also stopping the
export of all weapons to Israel, including F-35 components, to ensure that the
UK cannot be complicit in Netanyahu’s ongoing campaign.

The UK cannot shirk its obligations at this critical moment.

We must lead on the world stage in acknowledging these as atrocities – and
advocating for a return to diplomacy.

That is the only way to end the suffering in Gaza, get the hostages freed
from the Hamas terrorists, agree a ceasefire, and help put Israelis and
Palestinians back on the path to a two-state solution – the only way to achieve
a lasting peace.

Best wishes,






Ed Davey MP (he/him)
Leader of the Liberal Democrats



Join the Liberal Democrats


If you share our values and want to turn that into making a real difference,
join us as a Member today.


Become a Member ➜
<[link removed]>

Find out more about our membership options ➜ <[link removed]>

Already a Member?
Get in touch to let us know at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
so that we can check your record.





Did you like this email?
Yes 😀
<[link removed]>
-No 🙁
<[link removed]>
View email in browser
<[link removed]>


You're receiving this email because you have signed up for our emails.

Want to change the kind of email you're getting? Update your email preferences

<[link removed]
0AB&id=0033z00002pr9VrAAI>

Don't want to get our emails anymore? Click here to unsubscribe
<[link removed]>
.

Promoted by Liberal Democrats <[link removed]>, 66 Buckingham
Gate, SW1E 6AU.