Ceasefire: Our solidarity remains essential

Medact statement

A placard at a demonstration next to a Palestinian flag. Placard reads: Israel targets health infrastructure

Cover image credit: Talia Woodin / @taltakingpics

On Sunday 19th January, a long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza came into effect after 15 months of Israel’s genocidal military campaign. The agreement will see a temporary six-week ceasefire, wherein Israeli hostages will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. 

We are heartened by the hope brought to Palestinians in Gaza. Since the announcement of the deal last week, we saw the particularly cruel continuation of brutal Israeli bombardment – but a precarious ceasefire has held since Sunday. We hope and pray this ceasefire will bring about a lasting end to Israel’s genocidal assault on Palestinians in Gaza, who have endured such horrors and paid the highest price. 

The destruction Israel has wrought on Gaza is near total; the health consequences will last for generations. With 90% of homes destroyed, the vast majority of Palestinians in Gaza do not have homes to return to. Many thousands have lost their lives, and we know the decimation of health systems and life-sustaining infrastructure will kill many more. Our continued solidarity remains essential and urgent.

While politicians have made statements welcoming the ceasefire, we must challenge their lack of accountability for their own complicity and refusal to recognise this onslaught for what it is – genocide

Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a statement last week truthfully calling the deal “long overdue”, but the government allowed UK arms to continue flowing to Israel despite full knowledge of their use in violations of international law and the killing of at least 46,000 Palestinians.

Those responsible for the immense human toll must be held accountable as part of the peace and reconciliation process; the procedures of the International Court of Justice, which has issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, must be followed through.

Our demands on the UK government remain unchanged since the start of this year of genocidal violence. It must end British complicity with Israel’s regime of apartheid, including in the forthcoming British-Israel trade deal; it must take action on the urgent need for sanctions on Israel in a global effort to isolate it from the international community until the impunity ends.

Medact remains steadfast in our calls on the UK government to:

  • End UK complicity in the occupation and genocide; impose a two-way arms embargo on Israel
  • Apply political pressure to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories
  • Recognise and advocate for the inalienable right of return of all Palestinian refugees
  • Respect the right to boycott and abandon its legislation to criminalise Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions

This genocide emerged from a decades-long history ethnic cleansing, occupation and apartheid, and the 18-year siege of Gaza. It is time to end 76 years of settler colonialism, for which the UK bears a historic responsibility. We will keep calling for action until Israel is held accountable for its crimes and the Palestinian people are free.

Take action!

A coalition of UK health organisations started a petition to 10 Downing Street, calling for sanctions and an end to Israel’s impunity. Add your name to tell Keir Starmer that we won’t stop calling for peace and accountability!