Dear [Elected Official’s Name],

I am writing with grave concern as tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are missing, including over 20,000 children. Many are presumed dead, trapped under rubble, or detained incommunicado in violation of international law. Families are left in anguish, with no transparency or accountability from Israeli forces.

The heartbreaking story of Reem Ajour, a 23-year-old mother separated from her family during a violent raid in March 2024, exemplifies this issue. Her husband and four-year-old daughter, Masaa, were taken from her under harrowing circumstances, and their fate remains unknown.

During the raid, Israeli forces opened fire, shooting Reem —who was three months pregnant—as well as her husband and daughter. She later miscarried. An Israeli soldier forced Reem to leave at gunpoint without her family, and eight months later, she has no information about their whereabouts. The home where they were last seen was later demolished, and despite her desperate search, the Israeli military denies detaining them.

Under international law, Israel is obligated to document and disclose the status of those it detains and to protect civilians during military operations. Yet, human rights organisations like Hamoked report a systematic lack of transparency, with detainees held without communication for months. This cannot be enabled to continue.

We must sanction Israel to enforce a ceasefire and hold its leadership accountable for violating international law. Sanctions have proven effective in halting egregious human rights abuses in other contexts; they must be applied here. This includes a ban on weapons and military equipment sales and licenses and a two-way trade embargo. We must also officially recognise the state of Palestine to affirm their right to self-determination.

There is no time to hesitate. Act now.

Your constituent,
[Full Name]
[Full Address]