The number of Palestinians killed by Israel is nearing 38,000, of which 15,000 are children. With many thousands still buried under the rubble; severe restrictions on humanitarian aid, which has led to widespread famine; around 75% of Gaza’s population internally displaced; and increased security force and settler violence in the West Bank, Israel’s genocide in Palestine shows no signs of easing.
Over the past eight months, we, the British public, have continued to demand an immediate ceasefire and end this country’s complicity in Israeli war crimes. The unprecedented scale of protests, direct actions and student encampments has helped to make Palestine a central political issue. So far, the ruling Tory government has refused to call for a permanent ceasefire or stop arms sales to Israel, while Labour’s leader Keir Starmer has justified the genocide.
The General Election of 4 July gives us another opportunity to apply pressure and seek justice for Palestinians. We must it clear to those who want our vote - we will not support those who fail to call for an immediate ceasefire and support the ICJ ruling of charging Israel with genocide.
The election allows us to secure commitments from candidates and show that Palestine remains the key election issue.
We at Friends of al-Aqsa have launched the #PrioritisePalestine Campaign, which aims to get each candidates’ stance on four crucial questions:
1. Will they support the right for Public Bodies to boycott and divest from companies investing and/or benefitting Israel?
2. Will they immediately suspend the sale of all military goods, equipment and services to Israel?
3. Will they support the ICJ case brought by South Africa requesting that Israel take action to prevent acts of genocide?
4. Will they accept the findings of organisations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and B’Tselem that show that the state of Israel is practicing apartheid policies against the Palestinian people?
You can find out your candidates responses to these questions by clicking here and following the simple steps to send them an automated email. Join Friends of al-Aqsa in their call to Prioritise Palestine at next month’s election and use our votes to support Palestinians in their quest for freedom.
