Pop star Dua Lipa joined over 300 UK celebrities in signing an open letter on Thursday urging the British government to cease arms sales to Israel. This plea comes after similar calls from lawyers and writers who have voiced their concerns about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The open letter, addressed to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, condemns the UK’s involvement in the violence and calls for an end to the country’s complicity in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The letter was organized by the UK-based humanitarian organization Choose Love, and its signatories include high-profile figures such as actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, and Riz Ahmed, as well as musicians Paloma Faith, Annie Lennox, and Massive Attack.
Dua Lipa, who has been outspoken about the conflict, previously criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza, calling them “genocide.” Israel, however, has denied these allegations, stating that its military campaign is aimed at neutralizing Hamas, the militant group responsible for the deadly October 2023 attacks on Israel.
The letter calls on the UK government to ensure full humanitarian access to Gaza, broker an immediate ceasefire, and suspend all arms sales to Israel. The letter highlights the dire situation in Gaza, with increasing casualties and a growing humanitarian crisis. The signatories demand that Prime Minister Starmer take a stance against the war crimes they believe are occurring in the region.
Gary Lineker, the sports broadcaster who previously stepped down from his BBC role over a social media post, also signed the letter. Earlier this month, Starmer had condemned Israel’s military actions as “egregious” and vowed to take further action if the military offensive did not stop, though he did not specify the actions.
The UK government had previously suspended 30 of its 350 arms export licenses to Israel in September 2023, citing a “clear risk” of breaching humanitarian law. However, the recent escalation of the conflict and the humanitarian disaster in Gaza have led to growing calls for stronger action.
The conflict has left thousands dead and displaced, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical as aid struggles to reach the besieged region. The violence has sparked global outrage and calls for an end to the bloodshed.
