ActionAid welcomes the Prime Minister’s calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, but warns that these words will ring hollow without stronger action.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech about the escalating violence between Israel and Lebanon, Hannah Bond, Co-CEO at ActionAid UK, said:
“We welcome the Prime Minister's call for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon at the UN General Assembly. It is crucial for ending the brutal violence in Gaza, releasing all hostages, and stopping the escalating conflict in the region. However, after nearly a year of a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and caused immense suffering, especially among women and girls, the UK's words ring hollow. Despite a partial embargo, the UK continues to arm the Israeli Government, exporting key components for F-35 jets used in Gaza airstrikes. Without a total arms ban and sanctions, the Prime Minister lacks credibility as the UK continues to risk complicity in potential daily war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank.
Conflict in Gaza and Lebanon are interconnected, with hostilities in one region impacting the other. In Lebanon, our partner providing protection services for women and girls was forced to close, highlighting the urgent need for a full and immediate ceasefire across the region. Governments, including the UK, that are failing to hold the Israeli Government to account for its year-long assault on Gaza must now use their leverage to end the hostilities in both regions and ensure aid reaches those most affected.”
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Contact the ActionAid press office on uk.media@actionaid.org or on 07753 973 486.
Hannah Bond, Co-CEO at ActionAid UK, is available as a spokesperson, please contact the press office to arrange.