We are mourning the loss of lives of thousands of people in Israel and in the occupied regions of Gaza and the West Bank over the past few weeks, and watch in horror as the violence continues to unfold. 

As a migrant rights charity, we call for an immediate end to violence leading to mass deaths and displacement. We condemn Hamas’ attacks on civilians, and the Israeli state’s response. As an anti-racist organisation, we further condemn all anti-Semitic and Islamophobic violence both overseas and here in the UK, and stand in solidarity and rage with all those impacted.

This escalation in violence must be viewed within the historical context of the colonisation of Palestine, decades of violence against Palestinians by the Israeli state, and the illegal occupation of the West Bank and siege of Gaza. Fundamentally, Britain must acknowledge its colonial role in Palestine and in issuing the 1917 Balfour Declaration and complicity in supporting Israel’s current assault on Gaza.

We condemn political leaders and media outlets who have spread false information and damaging narratives at a time where clarity is most needed. International humanitarian law is being broken and people including children are being killed, and if we stand by and allow it, we are all culpable.

As an organisation which has fought for migrant justice for over 50 years, we must speak up. We all deserve to live safely in our homes and in our communities, and we will continue to fight for everyone's right to move and to stay with safety and dignity.

It is time for our leaders to show courage and integrity by demanding an immediate ceasefire, de-escalation and an end to Israel’s occupation and ongoing siege of Gaza.

                                                                                                                                                                                         Date: 19/10/2023