The past year has seen immeasurable hardship in Gaza, where Israel used the events of 7 October as a pretext to launch a genocidal war against the Palestinian people. With over 41,000 confirmed dead, and the real number likely to be several times higher; 90% of Gaza’s population are displaced; and 96% suffering from acute food insecurity, Israel’s inhumane actions have shocked the world.

Both the previous Conservative and current Labour governments have shamelessly stood by Israel throughout the past year – providing it with diplomatic cover, as well as weapons and military intelligence, to carry out its indiscriminate violence. The political establishment has refused to acknowledge the weight of public opinion, which has for months favoured a permanent ceasefire, or listen to the voices of millions who have mobilised over the past year to demand meaningful action.

As the genocide in Gaza enters its second year and Israel spreads its violence to Lebanon, where over 2,000 have been killed, we are reminded of the expansionism that lies at the root of the Israeli project. It is a stark reminder of the urgency with which we must continue to campaign so that the Palestinians, and indigenous people of the region, can live a life of peace, security and justice.

Speaking on the one year anniversary of the genocide, Ismail Patel, Chair of Friends of Al-Aqsa, said, “Today we mark a grim milestone as Israel’s slaughter in Palestine enters its second year. Over the past year we have seen a genocide livestreamed to our phones and the mask fall on the true nature of the Israeli settler colonial project, as well as its sponsors in Europe and North America. Countries such as the UK have exposed their hypocrisy – claiming to care for human rights, while being unwilling to hold Israel to account. We have seen how a small group of powerful states have held the true international community, which stands overwhelmingly with the Palestinians, hostage.

“Within the immense pain and suffering, however, there is a glimmer of hope. People have mobilised in unprecedented numbers across the world and Israel is more isolated than ever, both on the diplomatic level and according to global public opinion. Its bombs and indiscriminate violence are not enough to hide the fragility at the core of the Israeli project and, as it threatens to ensnare the entire region in violence, the urgency of holding it accountable have never been greater. At Friends of Al-Aqsa, the past year has only strengthened our resolve and belief that Palestine will and must be free.”