80 UK MPs and Peers Urge PM to Sanction Israel Over Gaza, Demand Arms Embargo

A group of 80 UK MPs and peers has written to the new British prime minister, urging him to impose sanctions on Israel, including a full arms embargo and a ban on trade linked to Israeli settlements.

The letter, led by MP Kim Johnson, calls on the government to “decisively change its stance in order to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people and to prevent Israel’s continued violation of international law.”

It cites last month’s report by the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry, which the MPs say “confirmed Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza,” and urges the government to recognize the finding.

The letter also references the Genocide Convention, which requires all signatories — including the UK — to take action to prevent genocide as soon as they become aware of a risk.

“The previous administration has willfully ignored the rulings of international courts. It has still failed to issue a formal response to the July 2024 International Court of Justice judgment […] which requires Britain to cease all actions that aid or assist [Israel’s] grave violations of international law,” the letter states.

The MPs argue that while calls for a boycott of Israel have existed since 2005, advocacy has intensified over the last two years during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.