The Council for Arab British Understanding works to advance Arab-British relations through its support for international law, human rights and democracy.
If pro-democracy activist & British-Egyptian citizen Alaa Abd el-Fattah is not released & consular access not granted, there should be "serious diplomatic consequences" for Egypt says
@DavidLammy
.
#SaveAlaa
@FreedomForAlaa
#COP27
127 British politicians demand UK impose sanctions on Israel in the event of annexation of occupied Palestinian territory
See the Guardian's coverage of the letter from former Cabinet members, ministers, diplomats, MPs & Peers.
A YouGov poll commissioned by
@MedicalAidPal
@Caabu
has shown that the majority of British people think there should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and would support the UK ending its arms sales to Israel for the duration of the conflict in Gaza.
British Parliamentarians demand that Israel must not use starvation as a weapon of war against Palestinians as Gaza faces famine.
See the letter to Foreign Secretary
@David_Cameron
currently signed by 115 MPs and Peers:
A
@YouGov
poll commissioned by
@MedicalAidPal
&
@caabu
highlights overwhelming level of public support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza - 71% of the British public believe there definitely (48%) or probably (23%) should be an immediate ceasefire
There is nowhere left for Gazans to go.
An assault on Rafah will risk civilian casualties for 1.3 million people seeking shelter.
@RishiSunak
must act to stop the Israeli offensive, end all military support for Israel, and call for an immediate ceasefire.
#RafahUnderAttack
British MPs outraged over the killing of and desecration of Palestinian journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh's funeral.
Watch some of their contributions here:
Please support
@Caabu
– we need your help more than ever to continue our advocacy for Palestinian rights, an immediate ceasefire, full humanitarian access to Gaza and proper accountability via the ICC & ICC; pushing for full UK arms embargo on Israel
European Parliamentarians (inc from the UK) urge action on Israeli Government over attacks on Palestinian civil society, forced dispossession and illegal settlements.
See their letter to various European Foreign Ministers, inc
@trussliz
@JosepBorrellF
We're hiring an Education and Scholarships Officer (1 year) Shared role, between Caabu (Council for Arab-British Understanding) and The Amjad & Suha Bseisu Foundation.
This is a great opportunity to come and join the Caabu team .
More details here:
‘
@CrispinBlunt
challenges Prime Minister
@BorisJohnson
on illegal Israeli annexation of occupied Palestinian territory, “a grave breach of international law.”
56 UK Parliamentarians have written to
@David_Cameron
and
@JamesCleverly
, calling for the UK Government to ban violent Israeli settlers who commit or incite crimes of violence and intimidation against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Letter from 133 UK parliamentarians rejecting US ‘peace plan’, calling for action against Israeli annexation.
UK needs to work with other countries to “demonstrate that serious breaches of international law result in serious consequences.”
UK charities ask: Is the UK government abandoning the Palestinian people?
Caabu & other UK humanitarian, development, human rights & faith orgs call for UK government to act on Israel's planned annexation & demonstrate it hasn't abandoned Palestinians
90 Parliamentarians express grave concern about Trump’s Jerusalem decision, call for UK leadership in pursuing peace and for the recognition of the State of Palestine
Over 60 UK Parliamentarians call for UK Foreign Secretary
@JamesCleverly
to secure the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, the British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist and writer, unlawfully imprisoned in Egypt for 9 years.
#FreeAlaa
@FreedomForAlaa
We’re grateful to
@BBCNews
for responding quickly to our complaint about falsely stating Bethlehem is in Israel & have been informed that the relevant teams have been spoken to & a note sent to all editorial staff.
We hope that such inaccuracies and falsehoods aren’t repeated.
Come on
@BBCNews
, isn’t it about time that you stopped referring to Palestinian cities such as Bethlehem as being “in Israel”? It isn’t.
Palestinians across the West Bank inc in Bethlehem are occupied by Israel and live under brutal Israeli military occupation.
@samanthaTVnews
Caabu has held three important parliamentary briefings on Palestine over the past two weeks, inc with the Palestinian Ambassador
@hzomlot
, on reporting from Gaza with journalist & filmmaker
@YousefHammash
& a launch of a briefing of a 100 day plan for the new government on Gaza.
The UK must support Palestinian civil society under attack. Various UK charities urge the UK to take immediate action to support Palestinian civil society under attack and take action for prevent further escalation repression and attacks.
#StandWithThe6
Israeli Government’s attacks on six Palestinian civil society groups must be resisted.
Caabu among 16 UK-based organisations condemning the Israeli Government’s shocking decision to declare six Palestinian civil society groups as ‘terrorist organisations’
Senior Conservative politician
@CrispinBlunt
calls for British government to make clear its position on annexation of occupied Palestinian territory & trade with Israel.
UK cannot stand idly by knowing that international law is planned to be broken.
Amongst those who voted for the Conservative Party in 2019, the poll found that 40% are in favour of the UK suspending arms sales to Israel, while just 24% opposed. Amongst those who voted for Labour, 74% are in favour of the UK suspending arms sales, compared to 7% who oppose.
Over 100 UK Parliamentarians lay out practical steps Foreign Office can take to help free imprisoned British-Egyptian writer, Alaa Abd el-Fattah
#freealaa
@FreedomForAlaa
Caabu condemns the Israeli onslaught against Palestinian civil society, an outrageous attempt to silence criticism of its systematic violations of international law. The international community must send a firm response that such behaviour cannot be tolerated....
Gaza women with cancer refused permits by Israel for life saving treatment: Parliamentarians raise their plight with Foreign Secretary
@Jeremy_Hunt
. Letter sent by
@Caabu
board member
@paulasherriff
with UK parliamentarians who have been on delegations
The UK must demand that Israel immediately stops its offensive into Rafah and call for a ceasefire now
Letter to the Prime Minister
@RishiSunak
from the Humanitarian and Human Rights Sector, including
@Caabu
#RafahUnderAttack
This latest poll, (see attached file) conducted after six months of intensifying humanitarian crisis in Gaza, found that 55% of people support the UK ending the sale of arms to Israel for the duration of the conflict in Gaza. Only 13% want to see the continuation of arms sales.
UK charities call for immediate end to closure of Gaza after 15 years of collective punishment and imposed fragmentation.
See statement from 16 organisations inc
@Caabu
calling for an end to the severe closure regime and blockade on Palestinians in Gaza.
The UK Government must do more to prevent more death, destruction and degradation in Gaza.
Caabu join organisations in demanding action of the UK Government and MPs.
Low public approval for both the UK Government and Labour opposition’s handling of the Gaza crisis was also found. Only 18% of people polled approve of the UK Government's response, while even fewer, just 12%, approve of the response from Labour.
Israeli attacks on Palestinian schools in Gaza have to stop. Today, Israeli strikes on Al-Taba'een school killed nearly 100 people. Israeli forces have hit at least one school per day over the last week, each one hosting huge numbers of civilians.
Caabu hosted the Palestinian Ambassador
@hzomlot
who spoke to Parliamentarians, urging unequivocal respect for international law & that the ICJ opinion has drawn a line under the legal debate; this is a question of occupier versus occupied & coloniser versus colonised.
The Time is Right to Recognise Palestine: Letter to the Times from a cross-party group of Parliamentarians ahead of the UK's final EU foreign affairs council. Signatories include
@Caabu
chair
@DavidJonesMP
& board member
@amcarmichaelMP
Join
@Caabu
and
@dianadarke
for this online book launch on Tuesday 4 October at 6pm (UK time BST), where she will be discussing her new book, The Ottomans: A Cultural Legacy.
More details and sign up here:
UK government must stop crackdown on freedom of expression, warn 46 NGOs including Caabu.
It is the responsibility of any government to ensure that all people can fully exercise their rights
Join us at
@Caabu
for this panel discussion on the current & future status of the Palestinian struggle for freedom & justice with
@TareqBaconi
,
@MarwanMuasher
&
@sarahleah1
, chaired by
@janinedigi
on Thurs 3 June 6pm (UK).
More information & sign up here:
For years, Palestinians have lived under a multilayered system that watches & controls their lives! What are the mechanisms, & how does it affect Palestinians’ day-to-day life?
Check out this post and share it to spread the word!
#LifeUnderSurveillance
Please support Caabu's work today by becoming a member
Or through a donation:
You can catch up on many of our recent online events here:
We rely on the generous support of members, supporters & friends!
The poll further found that 73% of people support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, including 67% of those who voted Conservative in 2019 and 86% amongst Labour. Only 8% believe that there should not be one.
The UK needs to do much more in terms of sanctioning illegal Israeli settlers and settler groups.
As this shows, the UK is behind the US and the EU on individuals and organisations responsible for violent attacks on Palestinians, theft of Palestinian land.
'
@Dr_PhilippaW
raises Gaza cancer patients and access to Gaza with
@AlistairBurtUK
following Israel denying her access together with two other doctors on
@MedicalAidPal
project. Burt praises the work she does on this issue.
Watch Caabu's online panel discussion on what future for Libya's political roadmap.
We were delighted that
@AsmaKhalifaLY
,
@el_khawaga
and
@Tmegrisi
were able to join us for this event.
Watch the full discussion here:
Foreign Secretary
@JamesCleverly
states to Parliamentarians that UK has not engaged Itamar Ben Gvir in role as National Security Minister & has no plans to do so. He reaffirms long standing UK position that all Israeli settlements inc outposts are illegal
Everyone
@caabu
is devastated at the scenes from Beirut after today's explosions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lebanese people. The international community including the UK should respond quickly and effectively to help the city and its people recover.
Only 9% of people approved of the Labour Party’s handling of the conflict (2% strongly, 7% somewhat), versus 30% disapproving (14% strongly and 16% somewhat). Neither party currently supports an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
We've produced a briefing on Israel’s illegal Annexation of Occupied Palestinian Territory - which also includes a link to other resources and reports of relevance
Caabu's Chair
@DavidJonesMP
urges the Prime Minister to respect and support the independence of the ICC, in response to Boris Johnson's views on the ICC decision to initiate an investigation into possible war crimes in Palestine. See his letter:
The failure of UK government & others to take serious action against Israeli settlements over decades has led to a massive surge in settlement expansion which effectively amounts to annexation.
Calling all teachers!
Whether you're looking to explore current events, delve into Arabic language and culture, or address stereotypes and misconceptions, we are here to support you.
Contact Caabu’s Education Officer, Felicity Garvey felicity
@caabu
.org
#teachers
#education
Ways to help Lebanon after the blast in Beirut.
We've collated various fundraisers, initiatives, and listed charities and NGOs you can support.
Please do let us know if there are any others which should be added.
Key steps the UK Government must take in its first 100 days to address the catastrophe in Gaza, in light of potential genocide.
See these key steps outlined by 20 UK charities humanitarian, development, human rights and faith-based
In occupied Hebron, surveillance technologies deepen Palestinians' feeling of curtailment with the presence of CCTV cameras, drones, and remote-operated weaponry.
Check out this post to know more.
#LifeUnderSurveillance
This finding reinforces the results of previous YouGov polls in March and April, and shows durable support for a suspension of arms sales after the recent escalation between Israel and Iran.
Our next event on Thursday 28 May at 3pm UK time (BST) is on the challenges & successes for Arab women reporting from the Arab world with
@ZahraHankir
,
@janearraf
&
@emanhelal9
. Sign up for it here:
UK Government affirms its position that Israel's annexation plans of occupied Palestinian territory is contrary to international law.
@JamesCleverly
's response to Caabu Chair
@DavidJonesMP
's letter to
@DominicRaab
.
Forcible Transfer is a War Crime: 25 UK Parliamentarians join over 300 public figures in condemning Israel's plans to demolish and forcibly transfer Khan al Ahmar
The failure of the government and Labour to call for a ceasefire is a betrayal of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Agencies working in Gaza should be listened to.
See
@Caabu
's press release.
PM
@BorisJohnson
's response to 149 British politicians fails to show how Britain will tackle an illegal Israeli annexation of occupied Palestinian territory.
Time is running out for a clear principled British position.
His response to
@CrispinBlunt
.
UK parliamentarians demand government takes action against the forcible evictions of Palestinians, & demolitions of their homes, in letter to
@David_Cameron
. All visited Silwan & Sheikh Jarrah in occupied East Jerusalem on
@Caabu
delegations.
We've created a list of urgent appeals you can support to help vulnerable communities across the Middle East & elsewhere against Coronavirus - not least in Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon & Yemen.
Let us know if there are others that should be added
100 UK Parliamentarians call on Israel's ambassador
@MarkRegev
to stop demolition and forcible transfer of Palestinian Bedouin community of Khan al Ahmar
Huge support for Parliamentary motion on Palestinian child detainees - so far, 122 British MPs have signed EDM on the military detention of Palestinian child detainees by Israel
'
@Caabu
delegates speak in Parliamentary debate on the effects of Israeli demolitions on Palestinian communities, warn of forcible transfer constituting a war crime - important that plight of communities such as Susiya, Khan al Ahmar & Jabal al Baba raised
We're sending out more notices about events we're hosting online. Make sure you're signed up to our mailing list to hear about them
Some discussions will be for Caabu members - sign up to be part of them & support our work too
UK organisations urge UK Gov to challenge annexation, US ‘Peace Plan’ Major risk that so-called ‘peace plan’ will lead to formal annexation of Palestinian land, perpetual Israeli occupation & negation of Palestinians’ collective right to self-determination
Over 70 UK Parliamentarians call for UK action to stop Israeli plans to forcibly evict Palestinians in Masafer Yatta. The forcible transfer of protected persons in occupied territory constitutes a war crime.
Perfect opportunity for
@FCDOGovUK
to speak out about the 2.3 million Palestinian civilians in Gaza who are being denied, deliberately, adequate food, water, medicines and fuel. Starvation should never be used as a weapon of war.
Tomorrow, the UK is co-hosting the Global Food Security Summit along with Somalia and the UAE, with support from
@gatesfoundation
and
@CIFFchild
.
The summit will boost efforts to prevent famine, build more resilient food systems and save lives.
#GFSS23