The British Palestinian community is reeling from the devastating impact of an ongoing genocide in Gaza. Our loved ones are trapped in a relentless onslaught. As of the 11th of January, our community and families have endured 100 days of unimaginable suffering, marked by witnessing 1,968 horrific massacres. During these 100 days we have seen a humanitarian crisis unfold and an insurmountable amount of never-ending grief.
Save the Children estimates that 250 Palestinians are killed daily in Gaza. With over 23,000 killed so far and thousands missing, presumed buried under rubble. Many see this as a ‘war on children’, and it is. More than half of Gaza’s population are children and they have paid the heaviest price, making up 40 percent of total deaths.
This genocide does not merely extend to children and elderly, but also history, culture, and identity. Israel has now destroyed 200 archaeological and heritage sites. The current onslaught on Gaza has and continues to devastate civilian infrastructure. Hospitals, schools, churches, mosques, bakeries and housing units have continuously and consistently been a target of Israeli airstrikes.
Nearly everyone in Gaza had to flee their homes, with about two million internally displaced. An Israeli defence official vowed that Gaza will be turned into a ‘city of tents’, we now see this strategy in effect as many refugee camps are set up in Gaza with people having to endure dire weather and sanitary conditions.
We call upon the UK Government to urgently exert its influence to secure an immediate and permanent ceasefire; it’s the first step towards any solution to alleviate the suffering of all. There must be immediate and unconditional restoration of water and electricity, as well as the rehabilitation of medical facilities. Lastly, but no less importantly, we call for the implementation of UK Family Reunion scheme for our beloved ones in Gaza.
It estimated that over 1,000 children have had to have limbs amputated, most of the time without anaesthetic. How many more children must suffer? Be traumatised? Get killed? A ceasefire should have been called yesterday and that would already have been too late. Every minute in delay means more massacres, more bombing, more war crimes and more inhumane suffering.
