In an open letter to the Guardian leading intellectuals and artists have called for an arms embargo on Israel: "We call upon the UK government to stop arming Israel and extend all our support to the protesters who are using their voices and efforts towards ending the arms trade. All charges against the 19 people arrested should be dropped as the real crime is producing and exporting deadly weapons that destroy the livelihoods of an entire nation. We collectively demand an immediate arms embargo on Israel. We demand the right to allow the Palestinian populace to live."
"July 8th marks the first anniversary of Israel's merciless assault on Gaza last summer. Although the massacre led to singular pressure on the government, Palestinians need definite results, specifically citizens of Gaza who are still suffering the repercussions of Israel's completely inhumane and illegal siege. Campaign Against Arms Trade, War on Want and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign released a new report last week showing that even though numerous conclusions point to Israel having committed war crimes, including last summer's atrocities in Gaza, the UK government's attitude regarding arms trade with Israel continues to be one of usual immoral business.
Everyday people have begun to take action in solidarity with the Palestinians and to highlight the UK government's compliance in being a part of Israeli war crimes. On Monday, three UK factories owned by Elbit Systems were prevented from operating by activists who support the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. One of these factories included UAV Engines in Shenstone, Staffordshire, which exports drone engines – the same drones used to slaughter Palestinians – to Israel. We call upon the UK government to stop arming Israel and extend all our support to the protesters who are using their voices and efforts towards ending the arms trade. All charges against the 19 people arrested should be dropped as the real crime is producing and exporting deadly weapons that destroy the livelihoods of an entire nation. We collectively demand an immediate arms embargo on Israel. We demand the right to allow the Palestinian populace to live.
The following notable intellectuals and activists have called for the same demands:
Mike Leigh, Miriam Margolyes, Ken Loach, PJ Harvey, Ilan Pappe, John Berger, John Pilger, Noam Chomsky, Vandana Shiva, Mairead Maguire, Jeremy Hardy, Alice Walker, Paul Laverty, Slavoj Zizek, Saleh Bakri, Andy de la Tour, Victoria Brittain, Richard Falk, Ben White, Miranda Pennell, Mark Steel, Leila Sansour, Maha Rahwanji, John Rees, Liam Hourican, Annemarie Jacir, Breyten Breytenbach, John Dugard, Elia Suleiman, Aki Kaurismaki, Caryl Churchill
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