Petition launched by Embrace the Middle East Calls for Suspension of UK Arms Sales to Israel 

This Advent season, Embrace the Middle East has launched a campaign urging the UK Government to suspend arms sales to Israel amid escalating violence and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. 

People can join the Campaign here: Advent Not Arms 

The ongoing conflict has claimed an estimated 50,000 lives and displaced over three million people. Embrace the Middle East highlights concerns over potential violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) by Israel, warning that continued UK arms sales risk facilitating war crimes and breaching the UK’s Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. 

“Advent is a time when we look forward to the coming of the Prince of Peace,” says Dr Ruth Valerio, Director of Programmes and Advocacy at Embrace the Middle East. “We grieve the horrors inflicted by the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and the devastation that has followed since Israel began its retaliation. We must see an end to the downward cycle of violence and we pray for and work towards peace, the laying down of arms by all parties, and the safe return of remaining hostages.” 

Embrace the Middle East envisions a future where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace, with equal rights and security. The charity asserts that violence will never create a just or lasting solution, calling instead for a ceasefire and the suspension of UK arms sales. 

“In this sacred season, as we ponder the words of the angels ‘Peace on earth’, may these words become our mandate. When will the world realise that war and arms cannot bring peace?” says Rev Munther Isaac, Pastor of Christmas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. 

Joseph Hazboun, Director of the Jerusalem Pontifical Mission, adds, “After centuries of suffering, it is clear that peace and justice are the only guarantees of security and prosperity.” 

This Advent, join Embrace the Middle East in calling for a just peace.

Visit Advent Not Arms to find out more about the campaign, how to sign the petition and help build a future where every life is protected.