Dear [Elected Official’s Name],
I am writing to draw your attention to Israel’s relentless and illegal expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, following the announcement of the largest land seizure in over thirty years and increased attacks on Palestinians. Settler and Israeli military violence has surged over the past 10 months, killing over 630 Palestinians, with 2023 already being the deadliest year for Palestinian children in the occupied territory even before the events of October.
Israel’s actions in the West Bank are rooted in an illegal occupation that has intensified while the world focuses on Israel’s horrendous offensive on Gaza, which has killed 17,000 Palestinian children. Israel is aggressively pursuing expansion, having already displaced over 1,300 Palestinians in recent months. Tactics employed to force them out include the destruction and burning of houses, killing and stealing livestock, forcing residents out at gunpoint, shooting live ammunition, and beating and threatening children.
Israel’s actions in the West Bank are not merely about land grabs; they are part of a systematic policy of apartheid and racial segregation, as concluded by the ICJ. The expansion of settlements is a deliberate attempt to ethnically cleanse and fully annex the region, which has been under illegal military occupation since 1967. The ICJ has called for the dismantlement of the occupation and settlements, return to 1967 borders, full reparations to Palestinian victims and the facilitation of the return of displaced people. We have a legal and moral responsibility to support this in every way possible.
In June, Israel authorised the largest land grab in the West Bank in over thirty years, encompassing 12.7 square kilometres. This follows the seizure of 8 square kilometres in March and 2.6 square kilometres in February. A 2023 report detailed a 15% growth in the West Bank settler population over the previous five years, with projections indicating it could surpass 600,000 by 2030. The international community must take action.
Sanctions imposed by international governments on individual settlers have proven insufficient to address the broader illegality of Israel’s occupation and apartheid policies. Meaningful change will only occur if sanctions target Israel’s government and its settlement organizations, addressing the systematic violations of international law and human rights. Sanctions will also mount pressure on Israel to accept the ceasefire deal that all other contributors and parties have agreed to.
I therefore urge you to sanction Israel, including an arms embargo and two-way trade embargo. Failing to do so enables these actions to continue with impunity. These sanctions should also be used to enforce a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel has slaughtered over 42,200 Palestinian civilians. Our government must also recognise a Palestinian state to commit to the self-determination of Palestinians and uphold their inalienable human rights.
I look forward to your prompt response and decisive action in actively and vocally supporting an end to apartheid and its cruel racist policies and actions.
Your constituent,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]