When is this Labour government going to break its silence on Gaza? | Letters

I have given up expecting anything but silence on Gaza from this Labour government. In fact, I am expecting nothing other than what I did from its predecessors, ie a complete refusal to condemn these most atrocious and clear examples of war crimes and genocidal actions, and also of the denial of our right to peaceful protest. I don’t expect much different from our European neighbours, and as for the US, well…

I appreciate the Guardian giving a platform to those like Nesrine Malik who give voice to our bewilderment, grief and frustration (Politicians want to normalise what’s happening in Gaza. Our moral outrage won’t let that happen, 7 April). But what I don’t see anywhere is anyone trying to answer the question: why? Why does Israel have to be supported no matter how reprehensible its actions? Why are Palestinians different from Ukrainians in deserving to live in peace in their land?

There is a moral vacuum at the heart of western politics, that much is certain. Even the expressions of sadness regarding suffering in Ukraine ring hollow. The pain and human rights of “little people” clearly do not matter to our leaders. So what is it that does? Who is going to break the silence on what has happened to shared values and common humanity?
Abi Lupton-Levy
Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

Your editorial (3 April) on the massacre of rescuers and healthcare workers in Gaza approvingly quotes David Lammy’s response to this latest atrocity, commending his call for those responsible to be held accountable.

But Mr Lammy should also be held accountable for doing nothing other than wring his hands yet again at this latest atrocity. What could he and his government do? They could call in the Israeli ambassador to condemn this outrage; suspend their trade agreement with Israel and ongoing negotiations on a deeper free trade agreement; ban the import of goods from settlements, as called for by more than 20 NGOs; recognise a Palestinian state now; and end all arms sales to Israel.

I have been a longstanding and active member of the Labour party, but can no longer be an accomplice to its complicity in the war in Gaza. Like many others, I have resigned my membership.
Tony Whitston
Torpoint, Cornwall

You have given a detailed and horrifying account of the Israeli massacre of eight Palestinian paramedics (Report, 5 April). The Israel Defense Forces claimed that the ambulances were carrying terrorists, which has been refuted by the Red Crescent. It said the paramedics were providing humanitarian services. This is only the latest in a string of atrocities carried out by the IDF.

Alongside that report, there is another about bombing in the Gaza Strip, where at least 1,250 Palestinians have been killed since 18 March (Israel restarts ground operations in northern Gaza Strip in renewed campaign, 4 April). The international criminal court last year issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant for war crimes, yet the UK government continues to sell arms to Israel. This means that it is complicit in war crimes. All arms shipments should be stopped immediately.
Rae Street
Littleborough, Greater Manchester

I suggest kicking Israel out of the UN, whose organs and dignitaries it has mocked and whose resolutions it has ignored. Of course, that wouldn’t stop Israel committing massacres, but at least the international community could be a little proud of itself for having tried. One day, it might even realise that no longer arming the pariah state would have been even better for global peace and security.
Elizabeth Morley
Trisant, Ceredigion

We need more voices like that of Jagan Chapagain (Our aid workers were brutally killed and thrown into a mass grave in Gaza. This must never happen again, 5 April). It is the only way we will get through this horror, which every day brings more pain – not just in areas that are constantly in the headlines but in places like Sudan that are also struggling but get much less attention. His balanced view, his clarity – outlining the basic principles of humanity – must ring out not just in the UN but across the media, our government and in schools.

His rage, though tired, his ability to keep the line, and his wisdom, is what we so lack at the moment – not just in our leaders but also in those who either vehemently condone and blame, or support their policies of action or inaction. We have to be brave enough to stop hating, and wise enough to know that with violence and oppression, more will follow, as history shows. Most important, we need to say: “Enough. Stop the killing of civilians, among whom are humanitarian aid workers and tens of thousands of children. We are better than this.

Thank you, Jagan Chapagain, for your clear, powerful voice and wisdom.
Elena Isayev
London