CAAT condemns unreservedly the attacks which have caused the death and injury of thousands of civilians over the last week and the kidnapping of more than 100 people. Those being held hostage must be immediately and unconditionally released by their captors.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza was already perilous, following decades of blockade and occupation, and is swiftly becoming catastrophic due to the actions of the warring parties. CAAT calls for an immediate ceasefire, to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid, the restoration of vital services, and the evacuation of casualties and refugees from the affected areas.
The fighting represents the latest cycle of violence in an ongoing conflict, fuelled by occupation, dispossession and militarism. There is no military solution that will lead to the realisation of a just peace across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
It instead will come through an end to the occupation, the dismantling of the apartheid system under which Palestinians have been forced to live, the return of property seized by Israel, and ensuring those guilty of war crimes on all sides are held accountable for their actions.
Since 2015, the UK government has licensed hundreds of millions of pounds worth of military equipment to Israeli forces, including components for the F-35, which, in 2021, an Israeli government spokesperson said were used in attacks on Palestine. The Israeli bombing of Gaza this week has killed hundreds of Palestinians, including many civilians, and has destroyed vital civilian facilities, including health clinics and schools.
The failure of the international community, including the UK government, to address violations of international law to date by Israeli authorities has contributed to this drastic escalation of violence and bombardments. These violations include an ongoing, deliberate and systematic attempt to displace Palestinians from their land.
We stand in solidarity and compassion with all those affected by these atrocities, both in the region and in communities around the world where there has been a drastic escalation in anti-Semitism and xenophobia.
CAAT calls on the UK Government and the international community to work for a just settlement that respects the human rights, dignity, and safety of everyone in the region. We repeat our call for a two-way arms embargo and for the UK to end arms sales and military support for Israeli forces.
Read more about the UK’s role in arming Israel on our country profile and frequently asked questions.
For the latest information on UK arms to Israel, see our fact sheet.
