"The UK government is complicit in Israeli war crimes in Gaza Strip, with the blood of Gaza equal on the hands of the UK government as it is on Israel's". This was part of the letter of Prof Dr Abd al-Fattah El-Awaisi, a renowned leading International Professor of International Relations to Mr Rishi Sunak, the British Prime Minister, on 31 December 2023.
Professor El-Awaisi letter "seeks answers and accountability" from the British Prime Minister office.
It starts with "I am compelled to write this letter to convey my profound distress and anger regarding the recent war crimes in the Gaza Strip and the role of the United Kingdom in these matters".
Then, the letter focused on several critical points.
"First and foremost, I must address the heart-wrenching incident that occurred on Christmas day (25/12/2023) in the Al Maghazi refugee camp. An Israeli airstrike claimed the lives of 25 of my family members, most of whom were children and women. It is my belief that the UK's unwavering support for Israel implicates it in this massacre. The British government, akin to the American administration, seems to be facilitating ethnic cleansing and genocide in Gaza Strip. In my opinion, as a British retired Professor of International Relations, this makes the UK government complicit in Israeli war crimes in Gaza Strip, with the blood of Gaza equally on the hands of the UK government as it is on Israel's".
"Secondly, the ongoing war crimes in Gaza is alarming. Hospitals, schools, shelters, and churches are being bombed, with apparent disregard for the inevitable civilian casualties. Entire families are being obliterated. The targeted killings of academics, healthcare workers, and journalists are deeply troubling".
Then, the letter highlighted a very critical point. "What is equally disturbing is the involvement and reactions of British citizens in these war crimes. For instance, the incitement of war crimes by Aryeh Yitzhak King, a British citizen and Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem. Eylon Levy from North London, is now a spokesperson for the Israeli government. Peter Lerner, originally from Kenton, North London, who has become a prominent figure in the Israeli army as a Lieutenant Colonel and spokesman. Richard Hecht, the Scottish Colonel and a voice in the Israeli Army. These individuals, to name a few, not only represent the UK in a foreign conflict but also raise serious questions about the UK's policies regarding its citizens participating in such activities. Sam Sank, an Israeli Army reservist from Stanmore in North London, who revealed in The Times, the significant presence of Britons in the Israeli Army. The lack of transparency regarding the number of British citizens fighting for the Israeli army is concerning, especially in contrast to the UK's explicit prohibition of Britons fighting in Ukraine. Their involvement raises critical questions about the UK’s stance on its citizens participating in foreign wars. The question that haunts many is why the UK government remains silent on the number of British citizens fighting for the Israeli army".
In light of these facts, Prof. El-Awaisi "urged the British Prime Minister to answer several critical questions:
1. Why is there a lack of transparency regarding British citizens fighting for the Israeli army?
2. Is it a criminal offense under British law for citizens to travel to Israel or the occupied Palestinian territories to fight for the Israeli army or any other state or non-state actor?
3. How do you justify the apparent double standards in the government's stance on British citizens fighting in Ukraine versus those in Israel?
4. What actions will the UK government take against its citizens who are fighting for the Israeli army?
He concluded his letter by stating that "The situation in Gaza and the involvement of British citizens in the Israeli army's actions not only challenge the international rules-based order but also threaten the integrity of the rule of law within Britain itself. As Prime Minister, your response to these issues will be critical in defining the UK's position on international humanitarian law and human rights".
Written by professor Dr Abd al-Fattah El-Awaisi who is an energetic Muslim scholar and a visionary, accomplished, and innovative Muslim academic leader who dedicated and planned his lifetime to education and knowledge as a base for human development, with passionate and grittier commitment to progressive education, research, and community welfare.
