Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy leaves 10 Downing Street after attending the weekly Cabinet meeting in London, United Kingdom on July 09, 2024 [Raşid Necati Aslım/Anadolu Agency]
London– The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) has sent an urgent letter to the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, UK Foreign Secretary, calling for an immediate arms embargo on Israel as violence and humanitarian devastation escalate in northern Gaza, accompanied by shocking atrocities captured on film and shared widely on social media.
The letter highlighted disturbing reports of Israeli soldiers blindfolding and arresting Palestinian civilians, some of whom have since disappeared. Others have been subjected to brutal treatment, including being placed in earthen trenches in a blatant display of dehumanization. These actions compound the dire conditions faced by Palestinian civilians in northern Gaza, who are already enduring severe food and water shortages, displacement, and the collapse of critical infrastructure.
PRC described the situation in northern Gaza as "genocide," emphasizing that Palestinians have been forced to rely on canned food for six months, with little to no access to clean water or hygiene supplies. Humanitarian aid is grossly insufficient, leaving the population to face starvation, disease, and injury with no meaningful relief in sight.
Reports from humanitarian agencies estimate that at least 50,000 people have been forcibly displaced since the latest offensive began. Bombardments have targeted public shelters and hospitals, exacerbating the suffering of those seeking refuge. PRC emphasized that these atrocities amount to clear violations of international norms, including the United Nations Charter, the Geneva Conventions, and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
"The scenes emerging from northern Gaza are a stark reminder of the urgent need for international action," stated PRC. "The UK must not remain complicit. Imposing an arms embargo on Israel is a moral and legal obligation under the Genocide Convention and international humanitarian law."