Almost 380 writers from the UK and Ireland wrote an open letter on May 28th condemning what they refer to as Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza and calling for a ceasefire, according to Al-Monitor via AFP.
The letter urged “our nations and the peoples of the world to join us in ending our collective silence and inaction in the face of horror.” The message was published on Medium
Israel has more than once denied claims that it has committed a genocide during its war on Gaza. Meanwhile, 300 French-language writers inked a similar statement which denounced the “genocide” in Gaza, WAFA news agency reported on May 28th.
The British and Irish writers stated “Palestinians are not the abstract victims of an abstract war. Too often, words have been used to justify the unjustifiable, deny the undeniable, defend the indefensible.”
Novelists’ like Elif Shafak, playwright Hanif Kureishi, and Scottish and Welsh PEN clubs urged for a ceasefire. They demanded the “immediate distribution of food and medical aid” in Gaza and the enforcement of sanctions on Israel.
After ending the ceasefire in March 2025, Israel’s blockade and constant strikes have sparked rising global criticism.
Al-Monitor via AFP reported on May 22nd, that WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appealed to Israel to show compassion in Gaza and permit humanitarian assistance. He stated the conflict inflicts profound suffering on both sides. Ghebreyesus voiced his plea during the WHO’s annual gathering.
According to Al-Monitor via AFP on on May 16th, Donald Trump also recognised the escalating food insecurity in Gaza, stating that “a lot of people are starving.” The US president made the statement following a regional visit to Gulf nations. Trump pledged to respond to the crisis but did not discuss any specifics, as Gazans continue to endure ongoing bombardments.
On May 26th, more than 800 UK legal professionals, such as ex-Supreme Court judges, contacted Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They said: “Genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza or, at a minimum, there is a serious risk of genocide occurring.”
The lawyers followingly stated that “[s]erious violations of international law are being committed and are further threatened by Israel.” They added the UK is “legally obliged to take all reasonable steps within their power to prevent and punish genocide.”
Al-Monitor via AFP, WAFA
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