Welcome to the Liberal Democrats Friends of Palestine (LDFP) news bulletin. This bulletin aims to keep you informed about the latest updates related to Israel-Palestine and Liberal Democrat activity on Palestine. The bulletin is sent to a mailing list of Lib Dems and supporters who have expressed interest in our work. We encourage those who are not already members of LDFP to consider joining (details available here).  This edition includes details about the next national march for Palestine, our statement on the recent UK settler violence sanctions, and a summary of our recent activities, including a parliamentary briefing with Jewish anti-occupation group Na’amod and Lib Dem Voice articles by our Chair and Vice-Chair. We also cover this month’s Liberal Democrat Party activity on Palestine, as well as latest news, opinion pieces, and new publications on settler terrorism in the West Bank and Israel’s deliberate targeting of Palestinian children.

National March for Palestine – Saturday 18th July, Central London Join us at the next National Demonstration for Palestine on Saturday 18 July in Central London. We’ll be meeting at a nearby cafe from 11am before marching together under the LDFP banner to demand freedom, justice and self-determination for Palestinians.For details on where to meet on the day, email info@ldfp.org.uk. Statement on Expanded UK Settler Violence Sanctions LDFP welcomes the announcement of 9 June that the UK will bring further sanctions against entities and individuals enabling settler violence in the West Bank. The new measures are a step in the right direction, but remain wholly insufficient in the face of rising settler terrorism and Israel’s accelerating annexation of the unlawfully occupied territory. The government must act now to target the illegal settlement project in its entirety, not just select entities and individuals. This should include a complete ban on all trade with settlements, as the Liberal Democrats have been urging for years, and a commitment to financial penalties for UK businesses that bid for tenders relating to settlement construction.The government must also end all military cooperation with Israel as the IDF continues to wreak havoc in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria while enabling and even participating in settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. View the statement on our website. Parliamentarians Briefed by Jewish Anti-occupation Group Na’amod On 6 July, Liberal Democrats parliamentarians were briefed on recent developments in the occupied West Bank in a session hosted by Jewish anti-occupation movement Na’amod. The session brought together powerful testimonies from Palestinian activists living in the South Hebron Hills, who discussed the daily realities of life under occupation, including the constant threat of demolition orders, settler violence and military raids, as well as how Palestinian communities and activists are organising in response. Members of the Na’amod team also reflected on their recent protective presence trip to the West Bank and the escalation in violence and forced displacement they witnessed there. The session was hosted by Liberal Democrat MP Manuela Perteghella.

Lib Dem Voice Articles Sanctions against Israeli settlers welcome – but inadequate – Jonathan Brown, 12 June LDFP’s Vice-Chair Jonathan Brown welcomes the government’s expanded sanctions in response to settler violence in the West Bank, but argues that more comprehensive sanctions are needed to target the illegal settlement project in its entirety, not just select entities and individuals. Highlighting growing support for stronger action, Jonathan points to the intervention of British Jewish organisation Yachad, who have called on the government to go further by considering a ban on settlement trade. He argues that organisations such as Yachad demonstrate that opposition to settlement expansion is not anti-Israel, but reflects a commitment to international law, a two-state solution, and a lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. Accountability and international law – Anne-Marie Simpson, 14 June LDFP Chair Anne-Marie Simpson argues that Israel’s increasingly brazen actions in Lebanon, Palestine, and across the wider region are the predictable consequence of years of international inaction and impunity. Reflecting on responses to International Court of Justice rulings and International Criminal Court arrest warrants, Anne-Marie contends that repeated failures by western states to protect and enforce international law have undermined the credibility of the rules-based international order. She argues that Liberal Democrats should be at the forefront of efforts to defend international accountability mechanisms, including support for the ICC and robust investigations into war crimes, warning that the consequences of failing to uphold international law will extend far beyond Palestine.

Lib Dem Activity on Palestine  Lib Dem MPs sign letter urging prevention of Great Israeli Real Estate event On 12 June, 100 parliamentarians, including 10 Liberal Democrats, wrote to the Foreign Secretary calling for urgent action to prevent the Great Israeli Real Estate event from taking place in London that weekend. The letter warned that the event would involve the marketing of properties in Israel’s illegal settlements, facilitating the sale of land stolen from Palestinians. It argued that allowing the event to proceed would be inconsistent with UK policy on settlement-related economic activity and with the government’s obligations under international law. Read the text of the letter and see the full signatory list here.  Layla Moran: Great Israeli Real Estate Event a “stain” on Britain Speaking to Al Jazeera on 14 June, Lib Dem MP Layla Moran condemned the government’s failure to intervene to stop the Great Israeli Real Estate event:  “Settlements are illegal under international law. The Government have said time and time again that UK businesses should not be trading with settlements. They have sanctioned pro-settler extremists in the Israeli government. And yet they have allowed this event to go ahead.  “It’s worth remembering that this event is recognised as being coordinated with a bank that actively funds the building of settlements, and we know from American versions of this event that it will involve the sale of stolen Palestinian land. “It is a stain on the British public, and on the international rule of law, that this event has been allowed to go ahead today.” Layla urged the government to take concrete action to prevent further UK complicity in Israel’s illegal settlement project, including by banning UK businesses from trading with the settlements. Watch the full interview segment here. Layla Moran tables bill to ban settlement trade On 24 June, Layla Moran laid a Private Members’ Bill to ban trade in goods and services with Israel’s illegal settlements in the West Bank. The bill was supported by Calum Miller (Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson), Alex Sobel (Labour), Kit Malthouse (Conservative) and Ellie Chowns (Green). The bill would move the UK’s position beyond advisory guidance and establish a clear legal prohibition on commercial dealings with Israeli settlements.Due to Layla’s position in the Private Members’ Bill ballot, MPs will not have the opportunity to debate or vote on the bill. Nevertheless, it stands as an important demonstration of cross-party support at a time when the government is facing increasing pressure to ban settlement trade. Layla has repeatedly put forward Private Members’ Bills on Palestine, tabling a Palestine Recognition Bill in every parliamentary session until this year. Find out more about her settlement trade bill here.

Parliamentary Debates (01 July) House of Commons – Israel: E1 Zone Expansion Monica Harding MP: We have asked these questions before, but we will ask them again. When will the Government put forward a clear plan to halt and reverse the illegal expansion into East Jerusalem and the West Bank? When will they respond to the 2024 ruling of the International Court of Justice? When will they introduce a package of sanctions including fines for any UK firms that bid for contracts for settlement construction in E1 or anywhere in the Occupied Palestinian Territories? Will they expand that to cover any UK financial institution that finances or facilitates UK companies’ involvement in construction or other services? When will the UK move fast to ban all UK trade in goods and services with illegal Israeli settlements? Layla Moran MP: Build E1, kill the prospect of Palestine. It is that simple, and that is not a conspiracy theory; it is Israel’s stated aim. We have a small window to affect what happens next because the Israeli elections are happening soon, as the Minister said. If we are going to make any difference to the ordinary Israeli politic about who they decide to elect, we need to act now and turn this on its head. He talks about the technicalities in banning trade with the illegal settlements. I have laid a Bill that makes it quite simple: prohibit it now, put the onus on the Israeli Government to sort it out, and if they change their policy, we will change ours. Vikki Slade MP: Yesterday, a group of us met with non-governmental organisations and heard about how the settlers are physically surrounding Palestinian homes and schools, with properties built on every side of homes, schools and sports pitches, making it impossible for children to get to and from school. In one case, we were told that the only way to reach a school was via the back stairs of a residential property. All the settlements are illegal and we must focus on the building of E1 to prevent expansion. In an election year, the UK has an additional influence on Israelis who also abhor this illegality and violence, so will the Minister consider a full travel ban on all settlers to show that there are real consequences for illegal activity? Watch the debate Read the debate transcript (22 June) Westminster Hall – Debate on pro-Israel influence on UK democracy Lisa Smart MP: Our democracy is under pressure from a structural failure that has been building for years. We have allowed money, opacity and foreign influence to creep into British politics, and successive Governments have been far too slow to act. The most recent Conservative Government bear a particular responsibility… The Liberal Democrats have long believed that protecting our democracy must be treated as a national security priority. The first and best way to safeguard that democracy is by ensuring transparency. We have long campaigned for reform of political finance and for protecting our democracy from any undue or opaque foreign influence. We have called for real change, including a cap on political donations—no matter where they are from—and a publicly searchable database of all online political advertising. Tweaking around the edges will not do. We also need a strengthened Electoral Commission with genuine enforcement powers, including higher fines for breaches of political finance law. Watch the debate Read the debate transcript (16 June) Commons Chamber – Foreign Office Questions Calum Miller MP: This weekend in London, we saw the selling of properties in illegal settlements. The expansion of such settlements must instead be reversed by cutting off their finance at source. Will the Foreign Secretary commit to withdrawing the licence to operate of any UK financial institution facilitating credit or services for illegal settlement activity?  Caroline Voaden MP: A UN report from March last year laid bare the evidence of Israel’s systematic use of rape and sexual violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Israeli settlers are committing sexual violence in sight of Israeli forces, according to a recent report by the West Bank Protection Consortium. Given the Government’s commitment to the safety of women and girls, will the Secretary of State commit to publishing a response to both of those reports? Watch the debate Read the debate transcript (09 June) Commons Chamber – Urgent Statement: Middle East Calum Miller MP: Last September, the Government took the historic decision to recognise the state of Palestine. That was the right thing to do, and a step that Liberal Democrats have been advocating for almost a decade. However, the Israeli Security Cabinet is moving fast to expand legal rights for land purchases in the West Bank, while settler violence towards Palestinians continues. The UK’s complicity in enabling the growth of illegal settlements runs deep. On Sunday, the Great Israeli Real Estate Event is coming to London. Properties in illegal settlements in Gush Etzion are being marketed alongside properties in Israeli cities. This is Palestinian land being advertised, bartered and sold on the streets of our capital. Will the Government intervene to ban the event unless assurances can be given that no properties in illegal settlements will be advertised? Anna Sabine MP: I was recently on a cross-party visit to Israel and Palestine. We met the Norwegian Refugee Council and talked about the issue of dual use items, where the Israeli Government do not let certain items into Gaza because they argue they can be used for terrorist purposes. That includes situations where young children are able to leave Gaza to get hearing implants in countries such as Jordan, but are then not allowed back into Gaza because the component parts are considered to be dual use items. What pressure can the Government bring to bear on the Israeli Government to prevent the weaponisation of this issue against the Gazan people? Watch the debate Read the debate transcript (03 June) Commons Chamber – Lebanon: Israel Defence Forces Operations  Monica Harding MP: Under direction from the Israeli Security Cabinet, the IDF is expanding its illegal military operations in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces occupy more territory in Lebanon now than at any point since the start of the century. Hundreds of shattered communities have been left in their wake, with more than 3,000 Lebanese killed and 1 million displaced. This looks far too much like the IDF’s operation in Gaza. Last week, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israel would expand its control to 70% of that territory, breaching the ceasefire there. There can be no doubt that these actions have breached international law, and they are likely to constitute war crimes. Watch the debate Read the debate transcript

Written Questions (11 June) Baroness Sheehan Question:To ask His Majesty’s Government what recent discussions they have had with international partners on coordinated diplomatic efforts to secure an end to Israel’s military detention of Palestinian children. Government response: Further to my response of 8 December 2025 to the Noble Baroness’s Question HL11828 (see here), we remain seriously concerned about the treatment of Palestinian children in detention, and we continue to raise the issue regularly with the Israeli authorities. On 22 June, the Minister for the Middle East also met with Save the Children to discuss our shared concerns. (22 June) Gideon Amos MP Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made representations to her Israeli counterpart on British civilian assets (a) destroyed and (b) damaged during occupation. Government response: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development officials have made representations to the Israeli authorities concerning the demolition of UK funded property. More generally, we know that the demolition of property is causing unnecessary suffering to communities throughout Palestine, and we also condemn the seizure of land by extremist settler groups and their acts of brutal violence, as set out by the Foreign Secretary in her statement to the House on 9 June. (24 June) Vikki Slade MP Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 on Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories as it pertains to trade with Israeli Settlements. Government response: The ICJ’s Advisory Opinion of July 2024 contains important findings, many of which are already government policy and align with the UK’s views that the Israeli occupation of Palestine is illegal.The UK government does not recognise illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine (previously the ‘Occupied Palestinian Territories’ or OPTs) and strongly advise UK businesses and citizens against conducting any economic activities in settlements. We also ensure that we do not enter treaty relations nor economic and trade dealings with Israel that include occupied Palestinian territory, and all our licensed exports to Israel are rigorously assessed against the Strategic Exports Licensing Criteria. Under our existing free trade agreement with Israel, the UK excludes illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine from the scope of the agreement. Therefore, products from the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine cannot avail of preferential rates under the FTA and are subject to MFN trade instead.We have also taken action to tackle settler violence and announced four packages of sanctions targeting organisations and individuals involved in financing, enabling and carrying out settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Settlements are illegal under international law, damaging to peace efforts, and call into question Israel’s commitment to the two-state solution. We reiterate the call that Israel should end its occupation of Palestine as rapidly as possible. We respect international law and continue to ensure the UK complies with its obligations. (29 June) Luke Taylor MP Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues about imports from Israeli settlements mislabeled as originating from Israel. Government response: I have had several discussions with colleagues on trade with and within the Israeli settlements in Palestine, which are illegal under international law. We strongly advise against conducting any economic and financial activities in settlements. Goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK’s trade agreements with the Palestinian Authority and Government of Israel. UK operators are advised on gov.uk that, to claim preferential tariffs, all movement certificates and invoice declarations made out in Israel must include the origin where production has taken place. Where there are doubts about the declared origin of goods, HMRC undertakes checks to verify it. The UK Government has introduced guidelines outlining how products originating from the territories occupied by Israel since 1967 should be specifically labelled as such as not to mislead the consumer. (30 June) Tom Morrison MP Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to support the ceasefire in the Gaza war. Government response: I refer the Hon Member to the statement provided to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 9 June, and her answers on this topic in the last session of departmental oral questions on 16 June. (30 June) Tom Morrison MP Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel’s report entitled The essence of childhood has been destroyed: Israel’s deliberate targeting of Palestinian children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 7 October 2023, published on 18 June 2026, what representations she has made to her Israeli counterparts on the report’s conclusion that Israeli authorities had a deliberate strategy to destroy the future of the Palestinians in Gaza by targeting their children. Government response: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 July to Question 13226. That Answer: The impact of the confliact in Gaza on children is a moral outrage, and the allegations in this report that children were deliberately targeted by Israeli forces are deeply alarming. International law is clear that children must always be protected, and their rights upheld, and any violation of those principles must be treated with the utmost seriousness. On the issue of genocide, the UK’s longstanding position remains that any formal judgment as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent national or international court, which has come to a reasoned conclusion after consideration of all the evidence available, in the context of a credible judicial process. (03 July) Gideon Amos MP Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of issuing further sanctions against Israel for the loss of British property around Bethlehem Children with Disability charity in the Nur Shams refugee camp. Government response: Awaiting response: due for answer by 7 July 2026.  (07 July) Ben Maguire MP Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has made representations to the Government of Israel on the (a) detention, (b) welfare, and (c) legal status of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, including reports that he has been held without charge and subjected to torture and medical neglect. Government response: Awaiting response: due for answer by 9 July 2026.

Early Day Motions (09 June) EDM 327: Palestinian children in Israeli military detention – Tabled by Munira Wilson and signed by 19 other Lib Dem MPs. That this House notes with concern that Israeli forces continue to arrest, detain and try several hundred Palestinian children in the Israeli military court and detention system each year despite evidence that that process violates international law; highlights that Israel regularly prosecutes Palestinian children in military courts which lack fundamental fair trial rights and protections; deplores reported ill-treatment of Palestinian child detainees by Israeli authorities including widespread physical and psychological violence; asserts that Israel, as the occupying power under international humanitarian law in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is responsible for protecting the rights of Palestinian children living under military occupation; further notes that the recommendations of the 2012 Foreign and Commonwealth Office funded report, Children in Military Custody, UNICEF’s 2013 report, Children in Israeli Military Detention, have not been met; also notes that the Save the Children 2024 report describes a deterioration in the treatment of detainees; believes that in no circumstances should civilians, particularly children, be detained or prosecuted under the jurisdiction of military courts or held in military detention; and urges the Government to engage with the Government of Israel to end the military trial and detention of Palestinian children and, as a minimum safeguard, to respect and ensure basic due process rights and the absolute prohibition of torture and ill-treatment.

Latest News Israeli ‘ceasefire’ violations in Gaza:  Israel Kills Organiser of Gaza World Cup Screenings Right Before Egypt Game – Nova Media, 8 July Hamas offers to hand over authority in Gaza to US-backed administration – The Guardian, 6 July  Trump’s “Board of Peace” and US administration: No place for UNRWA in the “New Gaza” – The Canary, 4 July  Fresh Israeli strikes kill 8 in Gaza despite ceasefire – AA, 30 June  Smotrich says plans drawn up to establish 3 Israeli settlements in Gaza – The Times of Israel, 29 June Trump’s Gaza board accused of creating legal black hole to protect officials and contractors – Middle East Monitor, 29 June  Israel’s deliberate targeting of Gaza children part of genocide: UN inquiry – Al Jazeera, 23 June  Israeli attacks kill nine people in Gaza in past 24 hours – Middle East Eye, 21 June  Palestinians in Gaza say bank account closures cut off access to vital funds¨– Middle East Eye, 20 June  Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed Wishah killed in Israeli strike on Gaza – The Guardian, 20 June  West Bank settlement expansion: Palestinians brace as Israeli settler figures in coalition seek to cement West Bank gains before election – The Guardian, 08 July  Israeli army demolishes Palestinian home, arrests 20 in occupied West Bank – AA, 08 July Palestinian baby dies in West Bank after Israel blocks urgent medical care – Al Jazeera, 5 July  Israel approves plan to establish 13 new settlements in occupied West Bank – Al Jazeera, 3 July Israel killing Palestinian children in the West Bank at highest rate since 1967, B’Tselem says – Middle East Eye, 29 June Israeli forces kill Palestinian teen in West Bank, says Palestinian health ministry – LeMonde, 29 June  Smotrich cancels Hebron Protocol, ending Palestinian control in occupied city – Middle East Eye, 16 June Video shows family’s car slowing before Israeli troops shot dead Palestinian baby – The Guardian, 10 June  Israel plans massive illegal occupied West Bank settlement push – The New Arab, 3 June UN experts warn against ‘surging Israeli settler terror’ – as it happened –  The Guardian, 2 June Detention of Palestinians in Israeli custody:  Photo of bound Palestinian detainee corroborates Israeli torture reports, say rights groups – The Guardian, 8 July Jailed Gaza hospital chief in life-threatening condition, rights group says – Al Jazeera, 5 July  Bill to ban Red Cross visits to Palestinian prisoners fails as Haredim boycott vote – The Times of Israel, 30 June Israeli court rules to keep prominent Palestinian doctor in detention – Al Jazeera, 15 June The UN has shamed Israel over sexual violence in conflict. Now there must be accountability – The Guardian, 12 June UN adds Israel and Russia to blacklist for sexual violence in conflict – The Guardian, 29 May  International & UK response:  Andy Burnham says Labour ‘didn’t get it right’ as he apologises for its stance on Gaza – The Guardian, 09 July EXCLUSIVE: EU pitches trade ban with Israeli settlements – Euractiv, 09 July  Ireland passes bill banning goods from Israel-occupied settlements in West Bank and Jerusalem – Middle East Eye, 08 July  Half of Britons believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, poll finds – New Arab, 07 July  ‘Time for condemning is over’: Palestine’s UN envoy demands end to Israeli annexation of Palestinian land – AA, 29 June  Israeli former leaders and security chiefs threaten legal action over ‘Jewish terrorism’ – The Guardian, 24 June  Jury Refuses to Convict Palestine Activists Over Arms Factory Raid – Novara Media, 29 June  Norway seeks to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine – Al Jazeera, 29 June Real estate event in London ‘advertised sale of land in illegal Israeli settlements’– The Guardian, 17 June Settler products from occupied Palestine sold to Europe as Israeli, investigation finds – The Guardian, 15 June Palestine Action ban is lawful, Court of Appeal rules – BBC News, 15 June UK and allies sanction ‘networks’ enabling settler violence in West Bank –  BBC News, 9 June

Opinion Pieces  The emergence of the Bennett-Lapid alliance reveals that many Israeli self-styled liberals actually reject the most basic principle of liberalism – Mikhael Manekin in Haaretz, 11 June Israeli activist and writer Rabbi Mikhael Manekin argues that the emerging alliance between Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett exposes a fundamental contradiction within Israel’s self-described liberal camp. While many opponents of Benjamin Netanyahu identify as liberals, Mikhael  contends that their politics are often rooted in a secular, pro-Western Jewish identity rather than a commitment to equal rights and equality before the law. Pointing to attitudes towards Palestinian citizens of Israel and the occupation, he argues that genuine liberalism requires extending liberty, dignity and full political equality to everyone living under Israeli sovereignty. Andy Burnham wants to be prime minister. He cannot do it without Britain’s Muslims – Ismail Patel in Middle East Eye, 29 June Friends of Al-Aqsa Chair Ismail Patel argues that Labour’s support among British Muslims has been profoundly damaged by the party’s response to Gaza, its treatment of Palestine solidarity activism, and its failure to adequately confront rising Islamophobia in the UK. Pointing to growing support for independent candidates and alternative political movements, Ismail contends that Muslim voters can no longer be taken for granted by Labour. He argues that rebuilding trust will require substantive change, including a tougher response to Israeli atrocities and a recognition that anti-Muslim hatred must be treated with the same urgency as other forms of racism. As an Australian Jew who publicly supports Palestinian freedom, I’m targeted by my own community – and neo-Nazis – Sarah Schwartz in The Guardian, 02 July  Sarah Schwartz, Executive Director of the Jewish Council of Australia, reflects on her experiences as a Jewish advocate for Palestinian rights, describing how she has faced hostility both from neo-Nazis and from members of the Jewish community who view criticism of Israel as a betrayal of Jewish identity. She argues that the conflation of Jewish identity with support for the Israeli state has narrowed public debate, silencing dissenting Jewish voices and diverting attention away from Israeli war crimes. Sarah calls for a clearer distinction between Judaism and the actions of the Israeli government, warning against efforts to use Jewish history to silence criticism of Israel. My nine-year-old son Mohammad, killed by Israeli soldiers, is not just another number – Aliyah Abdel Majid al-Halaq in The Guardian, 6 July Palestinian mother Aliyah Abdel Majid al-Halaq recounts the killing of her nine-year-old son Mohammad, who was shot by Israeli soldiers after going to play football near his school in the occupied West Bank. Through a deeply personal account of her family’s loss, she reflects on the fear, grief and insecurity faced by Palestinian parents living under occupation. As one of 54 Palestinian families in the West Bank whose children were killed by Israel in 2025 alone, Aliyah argues that a culture of impunity and a lack of international action have allowed such killings to continue without accountability. The UK public is not shy to call out genocide. Will the new prime minister join them? – Chris Doyle in Middle East Eye, 8 July CAABU Director Chris Doyle argues that British public opinion on Israel’s actions in Gaza has moved significantly beyond that of our political leaders. Drawing on new polling showing that half of the UK public believes Israel is committing genocide, while only 17 percent believe it is not, Chris argues that successive governments have failed to respond to growing public support for measures including sanctions and a ban on trade with illegal settlements. He calls on the next prime minister to recognise the scale of public concern and take concrete action to hold Israel accountable, including by ending military and security cooperation.

Publications Israel’s ethnic cleansing of West Bank Bedouin and herding communities – Amnesty International, 10 June This Amnesty International report lays bare the scale and severity of the ethnic cleansing campaign targeting dozens of Palestinian Bedouin and herding communities in Area C of the occupied West Bank. The report also demonstrates – contrary to what too many in the international community suggest – that the campaign is not the product of “rogue” settlers, settlers’ organisations or “extremist” government ministers. In other words, settler violence is not an aberration but an integral part of an organised state policy. As such, the report’s conclusions demand that the international community fully confront and name the Israeli state-driven project, and act decisively to prevent the destruction of Palestinian communities and the annexation of the West Bank.   “The essence of childhood has been destroyed”: Israel’s deliberate targeting of Palestinian children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 7 October 2023 – The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, 18 June  This report by the UN independent international commission of inquiry examines violations against Palestinian children since October 2023, concluding that Israel continues to commit genocide by deliberately targeting children. The report documents the systematic killing of Palestinian children in Gaza, including following the October 2025 peace plan, the sharp increase in violence against Palestinian children in the West Bank, and the use of torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence against Palestinian children in detention. The inquiry also found that attacks ⁠on healthcare and reproductive facilities affected newborns’ survival and the reported increase in miscarriages, and that nearly all children in Gaza ​were reported to be in need of psychological support. Unshielded Childhood: Palestinian children and teenagers killed by Israel in the West Bank in 2025 – B’Tselem, 29 June  Over the course of two years and eight months, from 7 October 2023 to 7 June 2026, Israeli forces killed 235 Palestinian children and teenagers in the West Bank. Five others were killed by settlers. The Israeli system refrains almost entirely from holding the perpetrators accountable. Since the start of the war in October 2023, no indictments are known to have been filed in cases involving killings in the West Bank. This report by Israeli human rights NGO B’Tselem documents the killing of 54 Palestinian children in 2025 alone and highlights the devastating impact of ongoing violence on Palestinian children.