Today we heard with deep dismay the news of the tragic loss of life that resulted from the action of Israeli forces against the flotilla of aid bound for the citizens of Gaza, which has caused indescribable pain to the families of those who have lost loved ones and has provoked anger around the world.
As long as this long-running dispute remains unresolved we fear that many more lives will be lost on all sides, resulting in even more pain and further deepening the hatred and distrust between all those involved. Therefore, as firm believers in the power of sincere, honest and open dialogue to transform even the most seemingly intractable conflict, we urge all sides in this dispute:
1.To renounce all violence, including the indirect violence of the blockade of Gaza
2. To commit themselves to wholly non-violent means to resolve this conflict
3. And to seek out and employ the proven methods - and experienced practitioners - of non-violent conflict resolution to help end and heal the decades of death and suffering between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples
It has been done in other parts of the world - why not Israel-Palestine?
Simon Hughes MP
John McDonnell MP
Gary Streeter MP
Co-Chairs, APPG on Conflict Issues
