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British Artists Demand Starmer Suspend Arms Exports to Israel and Secure Gaza Ceasefire

Advocates argue that urgent action is needed to address Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis facing growing international pressure for a ceasefire.

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Overview

  • More than 300 UK artists, from Dua Lipa to Benedict Cumberbatch, have petitioned Prime Minister Keir Starmer to halt all arms exports to Israel and negotiate an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
  • Signatories warn that continued British weapon sales contribute to what they call the ‘horrors’ of civilian casualties and call for full humanitarian access alongside an end to famine.
  • The appeal builds on the government’s September 2024 decision to suspend around 30 arms export licenses to Israel over concerns about breaches of international law in Gaza.
  • Several NGOs have launched legal proceedings to extend UK export bans to include parts for US F-35 jets used by the Israeli military.
  • Some 380 writers in the UK and Ireland, including Zadie Smith and Ian McEwan, have issued a separate letter denouncing what they describe as a ‘genocide’ and demanding unrestricted delivery of food and medical aid.