“We are urging you to immediately stop arms licences and exports to the Government of Israel. This is just one crucial step towards an immediate and permanent ceasefire for all Palestinians and Israelis.

According to our laws, the UK Government must stop issuing licences for arms sales if there is a clear risk they might be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law.

From October 2023 to May 2024, the Government issued over 100 new licences allowing UK companies to sell arms to Israel. During this same time, Israel has killed civilians in Gaza indiscriminately. It has been deliberately depriving them of the essentials they need to survive.

The International Court of Justice has ruled there is a risk of a genocide in Gaza, and war crimes and crimes against humanity are also being committed. There is no doubt the risk of genocide is horrifyingly real.

By continuing to sell arms to Israel, the UK has been complicit in the killing of civilians in Gaza. You have the opportunity to act now and do the right thing: end arms sales to Israel immediately.

Everyone in Gaza is in need of humanitarian assistance, but 15 months of restrictions and attacks have made it challenging for humanitarian organisations to respond fully. To stop the cycle of death and destruction, get aid to those who need it, and safely get hostages out, the UK must play its part in securing a permanent ceasefire - starting by ending arms sales to Israel now.

Only then can the hard work of building lasting peace and justice for Palestinians and Israelis start.

We ask you to:

• Immediately suspend arms licences and exports to the Government of Israel.
• Do everything in your power to help bring about an immediate and permanent ceasefire.”

The interim ceasefire in Gaza brings temporary but essential relief to those under attack. However, the ongoing risk of violence and violations of international law remains.

The immense suffering Israel has inflicted on Gaza has happened under the watch and protection of world leaders. The UK Government has actively contributed to fuelling the crisis by continuing to allow arms sales, even though they have admitted that Israel’s actions may have violated international law.

Suspending a small proportion of over 350 licences is not enough. The UK is still making and selling key parts for deadly F-35 fighter jets that have been dropping bombs on people in Gaza.

Even though the immediate violence in Gaza has temporarily stopped, the UK still has a legal obligation to stop ALL arms sales - as Israel continues to violate international law through its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory, and the ongoing risk of violent escalations remains.

The UK Government must not continue to be an ally to Israel’s atrocities. It must not prioritise perceived security or economic advantage over the UK’s legal and moral obligations.

Ending arms sales would send a powerful message: the UK is serious about supporting a permanent ceasefire and a meaningful path to accountability, justice and lasting peace.

*Petition content was updated on 30 January 2025 to reflect the latest developments