John’s thoughts on the terrible situation in Gaza.
‘The Green Party has always condemned the attacks that Hamas made on 7th October, but thereafter we were the first party to call for a complete ceasefire and also for the return of the hostages. We’ve also called for the end of British arms exports to Israel, and some of those arms are actually being produced in Kent, in Rochester and Sandwich, it’s all too close by. Now, I’m not going to relate any of this to asking you which way to vote in the General Election, but whatever our beliefs, I’d like to propose that we all pray together for a full ceasefire in Gaza. Let’s Hope – Thank You.’
Building a safer world – from our 2024 Manifesto
Israel and Palestine
The Green Party has been calling for an immediate bilateral ceasefire in the war between Israel and Gaza and the return of hostages since mid-October 2023. We condemned the appalling murder of hundreds of Israeli civilians by Hamas on 7 October and for which Hamas should be held to account, and since then have watched in horror as Israeli forces have committed war crimes that have caused the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians.
Green MPs will push for:
• An immediate and permanent bilateral ceasefire.
• A durable political solution that ensures security and equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians. This is the only way to achieve long-term security for the people of Palestine and Israel.
• Recognition of the state of Palestine and an urgent international effort to end the illegal occupation of Palestinian land.
• Investigation and prosecution of war crimes. We believe there is strong evidence to support South Africa’s submission to the International Court of Justice that Israel is guilty of genocide in its conduct in Gaza.
• An end to all UK arms exports to and military cooperation with Israel, which make the British government complicit in these war crimes.
Foreign Policy
In a world threatened by war and the rise of authoritarian regimes, the Green Party believes that the UK’s foreign policy should be based on shared commitments to democracy, peace, global solidarity and the protection of human rights. It has never been more important to support the rule of law, including the international law that underpins our rights and protects against state aggression, genocide and the inhuman treatment of refugees.
In a world threatened by climate-driven instability and mass migration, there is an ever-greater need for enlightened leadership and international solidarity.
The Green Party wants to see the UK:
• Take the lead in upholding the right to self-determination and the enforcement of international law.
• Continue to support Ukraine as it resists Russian invasion.
• Work towards reform of the European security architecture and disarmament, based on shared commitments to democracy and mutual transparency.
• Rejoin and play its full part in the family of nations that is the European Union, as soon as possible.