PRESS RELEASE
10 May 2021
Al-Aqsa Violence and Eviction of Palestinians: MCB calls for UK Government action
The recent violence from Israeli forces towards worshippers in the Al Aqsa mosque has left over300 Palestinians injured, and more than 228 hospitalisedby use of tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber coated steel bullets. These actions have desecrated one of Islam’s holiest places of worship as well as harming women and children during one of the most sacred nights of Ramadan. The violence we have witnessed follows days of provocation from Israeli settlers which has left Palestinians dispossessed without recourse to human rights, dignity and self-determination.
The Muslim Council of Britain recognises the efforts of many Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum who have rightly called to question this injustice. We urge other representatives to follow suit and call for a cessation of such acts.
In 2014, the House of Commons recognised Palestine as a state. We call on our Government to outline its commitment to the UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which demands that Israel stops settlement activity in Palestinian territories (occupied since 1967) and fulfills its obligations as an occupying power under the Fourth Geneva Convention. The supremacy of international law is paramount and our obligation to human rights must be upheld. Our government is also member of the UN Security Council – we call on them to unanimously condemn these actions when it meets today.
The UK government has a responsibility to condemn these reprehensible actions. The silence amidst a growing chorus of global condemnation would once again test the UK’s claim to moral leadership.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella body with over 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and professional networks.
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