ActionAid UK responds to the IPC announcement of imminent famine in Gaza and calls on the UK Government to demand an immediate ceasefire.
Ziad Issa, Head of Humanitarian Policy at ActionAid UK, said:
"In light of the imminent famine in Gaza, the UK government's response must extend beyond nominal aid and take this for the serious warning sign that it is. It should now do everything in its power to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire using every diplomatic lever available by suspending trade and arms agreements with Israel and ensuring compliance with ICJ provisional measures.
Let us be clear, the Government's current stance sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the UK's commitment to human rights and international law and will not be easily forgotten by those it has abandoned. Waiting for the IPC to finally declare a famine we all know is coming whilst children slowly starve to death and pregnant women give birth to stillborn starved babies is unconscionable. We are begging you to do the right thing and put an end to this suffering - what more is there to say."
[ENDS]
Ziad Issa is available as a spokesperson, please contact the press office to arrange.