Dear Helen Hayes, Florence Eshalomi and Bell Ribeiro-Addy

We hope this email finds you well. We are writing to you as a concerned members of your constituency to urgently appeal for your support in advocating for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, Palestine to facilitate the delivery of desperately needed essentials – food, water, medicine, and fuel. As the Israeli genocide in Gaza rages on, we have a moral responsibility as citizen of the global village. 

The current situation in Gaza is dire, with countless innocent lives hanging in the balance due to the ongoing conflict. The lack of access to basic necessities has created a humanitarian crisis, exacerbating the suffering of the vulnerable population. It is imperative that we prioritize human life and address the urgent needs of those affected.

A humanitarian ceasefire would provide a crucial window of opportunity for aid organizations to deliver life-saving assistance to the affected communities. This includes much-needed food supplies to combat hunger, clean water to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, essential medicines for the sick and vulnerable, and fuel to power generators for critical facilities such as hospitals.

As your constituents, we believe that our commitment to humanitarian values should guide our actions in times of crisis. By leveraging diplomatic channels and using your influence, you can play a pivotal role in promoting dialogue and negotiations for a ceasefire. This would enable humanitarian organizations to reach those in need and alleviate the immediate suffering of countless individuals.

We are sure you are well aware but here are some devastating updates that we know from today 

- Hospitals are stopping all but emergency services as fuel runs out, as reported.
- The UN - the biggest aid provider in Gaza - says its work will stop tonight if it doesn't get fresh supplies
- Israel is stopping new fuel supplies reaching Gaza
- Another eight aid lorries carrying food, water, and medicine crossed from Egypt into Gaza last night - but agencies say at least 100 lorries a day are needed

In so far, Israel continues to contravene international human rights law by targeting civilians and their actions amount to war crimes.

Article 33 of the Geneva Conventions 1949 - prohibits collective punishment, which we are seeing happening on a mass scale by a way of blocking food, water and electricity by Israel.

There needs to be an agreement of a ceasefire and for it to be monitored by an independent, international body.

We kindly request that you raise these matters in parliamentary discussions, engage with relevant stakeholders, and use your influence to push for a humanitarian ceasefire. Your efforts can make a significant difference in saving lives and addressing the pressing humanitarian needs in Gaza.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I trust that you will represent the values and concerns of your constituents in advocating for a swift and compassionate response to this crisis.

Sincerely,

Lambeth Muslim Council