The Rt Hon William Hague MP

Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affaiars

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

King Charles Street

London

SW1A 2AH

8^th July 2014

Dear William,

I am writing to you about the current situation in Palestine and Israel. As you will know, over the last week violence in the region has escalated and the situation is becoming increasingly volatile, particularly for Palestinian citizens. Following the discovery of the bodies of the three Israeli teenagers who were abducted two weeks ago, I am concerned to hear reports of revenge attacks occurring in Palestine – which has already resulted in the abduction and death of 16 year old Mohammed Abu Khiedir. I strongly condemn these killings, and it is, without question, that those who have committed these crimes must be held accountable.

In addition, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign UK has reported that a significant number of Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli authorities. These include 24 year old Mustafa Husni Aslan, who died on Wednesday 25^th June after being shot in the head by Israeli soldiers when they stormed Qalandia refugee camp. Mustafa is the sixth Palestinian to be killed by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank since the three Israeli teenage boys went missing two weeks ago, and the death toll continues to rise.

I am concerned about the Israeli authorities’ pursuit of an agenda of collective punishment, which includes nightly raids in the West Bank, mass arrests, house demolitions, and severe restrictions of movement which are targeting ordinary Palestinian citizens.

I am sure you agree with me that it is imperative that the situation does not deteriorate. I am, therefore, calling on you to ask the Israeli Ambassador to explain Israel’s actions, put pressure on the Israeli Government to end collective punishment in Palestine, and instead focus on achieving a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. 

I look forward to hearing what action you will take on this matter.

Yours sincerely,