Overview

• An open letter signed by 36 members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews marks their first public criticism of the Israeli government since the war began in October 2023.
• The signatories argue that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has encouraged violence in the West Bank and warn that 'Israel’s soul is being ripped out.'
• The letter expresses mourning for Palestinian lives lost and opposition to the ongoing war, citing Jewish values as the basis for their stance.
• Since the resumption of Israeli offensives on March 18, 2025, at least 1,691 Palestinians have been killed, bringing the total death toll in Gaza to over 51,000.
• Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas's October 7 attack, 58 remain in Gaza, with 34 confirmed dead by the Israeli military.