Green MP Dr Ellie Chowns has urged newly appointed Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to take stronger action in response to what she describes as grave and ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Israeli Government in Palestine. In a letter sent ahead of Parliament’s return next week, the leader of the Parliamentary Green Party calls for a shift from statements of concern to concrete measures aimed at ending UK complicity in genocide and other alleged war crimes.
Chowns argues that the Government must demonstrate a more effective and principled approach to the crisis. She writes that it is vital for ministers not only to condemn breaches of international law but to act decisively to stop them. Her letter highlights the continuing humanitarian emergency in Gaza, where more than 1,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire came into effect in October 2025. She notes that access to essential aid such as food and medical supplies remains heavily restricted and that displacement continues as Israeli forces expand beyond agreed ceasefire boundaries.
The MP also raises concerns about escalating settlement activity and settler violence in the West Bank. She cites figures from the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which recorded about 190 attacks a month in the first four months of 2026. She points to the publication of construction tenders for 1,200 homes in the E1 area as further evidence of settlement expansion.
Chowns acknowledges Miliband’s previous criticism of the E1 plans but argues that statements alone are insufficient. She calls for an end to UK arms sales to Israel, a ban on trade with illegal settlements, additional sanctions on senior Israeli officials, unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza and support for independent investigations into war crimes.
She concludes by urging Miliband to act with urgency and offers to meet him to discuss cross‑party efforts to secure justice, accountability and lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis.