Revealed on 6 June 2025
4 minutes learn
The Church of Scotland has urged International Secretary David Lammy MP to make sure that the UK Authorities does all it could to assist completely finish the warfare in Gaza.
Final month, the Common Meeting condemned the resumption of the warfare on Gaza, the blockade of meals and humanitarian assist, the continued forcible displacement of Gazans and the continued holding of hostages.

A letter despatched by The Israel Palestine Committee, writing on behalf of the Common Meeting, units out of a spread of requires motion.
It calls on the UK Authorities to advocate for a everlasting ceasefire, an finish to the struggling of Gazans, an finish to the occupation of the West Financial institution and the suspension of arms export licenses to Israel.
Learn the letter in full.
Rt Hon David Lammy MP
Secretary of State for International, Commonwealth and Improvement Affairs
King Charles Road,
London
SW1A 2AH
Expensive International Secretary
We write because the Israel Palestine Committee of the Church of Scotland, and on behalf of the Common Meeting of the Church of Scotland, which met throughout the week of the 19th Could. The Church of Scotland usually prays for our leaders and representatives as they proceed to do what they’ll to work for a world which supplies justice with peace to all peoples.
The Church of Scotland has a long run presence in Israel – by means of our two church buildings led by Mission Companions from Scotland, a faculty, and two motels. We’ve shut partnerships with different organisations in Israel and Palestine who maintain the identical targets of peace, justice and human rights for all peoples.
On the Common Meeting of the Church of Scotland in Could we heard an handle by Archbishop Hosam Naoum, Archbishop in Jerusalem for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Center East which is one in every of our Associate Church buildings. The Meeting spoke out condemning the resumption of the warfare on Gaza, the blockade of meals and assist, the continued compelled displacement of Gazans, and the continued holding of hostages. We had been instructed as follows:
- Advocate to the Authorities of the UK that it should exert all efforts in direction of the upholding of Worldwide Humanitarian Regulation, the institution of a ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade on meals and humanitarian assist, and the discharge of the remaining hostages.
- Renew the decision to the Authorities (as we did in August 2024) to cease granting export licences for the sale of weapons to Israel.
Earlier Common Assemblies have repeatedly and strongly urged the UK Authorities to recognise at once the State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, as a contribution to securing lasting peace and justice for all. We ask once more that you simply do that, and be part of the 147 different UN member states that achieve this. With out this tangible recognition of the correct of self willpower for the Palestinian individuals, calls by the UK Authorities for a reputable and irreversible pathway in direction of a two-state answer are hole.
We had been glad to learn the joint assertion from leaders of the UK, France and Canada on the scenario in Gaza and the West Financial institution that was printed on 19 Could. We welcomed the acknowledgement that the minimal meals now being let into Gaza is wholly insufficient, and that you simply oppose the enlargement of Israel’s navy operations in Gaza.
Nonetheless, the indication that the actions of the Israeli state in Gaza solely ‘dangers breaking Worldwide Humanitarian Regulation’ seems to not go far sufficient. There’s clear proof of mass killings of civilians, of mass compelled starvation, of mass compelled displacement. Stress from the UK Authorities, in collaboration with that from different nations, for the resumption of enough and correctly administered humanitarian assist, and a everlasting ceasefire, is completely very important to stop additional struggling by the individuals of Gaza, and to allow the hostages nonetheless held in Gaza to be launched.
We additional name on the UK Authorities to droop all arms export licenses to Israel. Current statistics have proven that within the 4th quarter of 2024, regardless of a partial arms export ban, licenses for £127.6m of navy tools to Israel had been permitted. This appears a obtrusive contradiction, when held in opposition to your assertion on the 20th Could that denounced Israel’s actions as “morally unjustifiable… and wholly disproportionate.” Persevering with to grant these licenses makes the UK complicit in Israel’s ongoing violations of worldwide regulation.
We welcomed the reference within the joint assertion to the enlargement of unlawful settlements within the West Financial institution, particularly contemplating the current approval by Israel of one other 22 unlawful settlements. Delegates on a current ecumenical solidarity go to to Israel Palestine visited Masafer Yatta within the southern West Financial institution, met with residents of the villages, and heard first hand of the big pressures they’re beneath from the actions of unlawful settlers.
Harassment, demolitions, and violent assaults on individuals and property are an virtually each day prevalence. We urge the UK Authorities to impose additional sanctions, and for these to be levied in opposition to these organisations working illegally within the West Financial institution – not simply people.
We firmly imagine {that a} everlasting ceasefire, an finish to the struggling of Gazans, and the top of the 58 12 months occupation of the West Financial institution, will convey in regards to the sustainable peace that each Palestinians and Israelis want.
We’d be pleased to satisfy with you or your colleagues to speak additional about our work in Israel and to share a few of our expertise.
We look ahead to listening to from you with a response to this letter, which we will share with our members.
Yours sincerely.
Michael Yuille (Convener) Rev Alistair Cumming (Vice-Convener)
Israel Palestine Committee.
Church of Scotland.
Revealed on 6 June 2025
4 minutes learn
The Church of Scotland has urged International Secretary David Lammy MP to make sure that the UK Authorities does all it could to assist completely finish the warfare in Gaza.
Final month, the Common Meeting condemned the resumption of the warfare on Gaza, the blockade of meals and humanitarian assist, the continued forcible displacement of Gazans and the continued holding of hostages.

A letter despatched by The Israel Palestine Committee, writing on behalf of the Common Meeting, units out of a spread of requires motion.
It calls on the UK Authorities to advocate for a everlasting ceasefire, an finish to the struggling of Gazans, an finish to the occupation of the West Financial institution and the suspension of arms export licenses to Israel.
Learn the letter in full.
Rt Hon David Lammy MP
Secretary of State for International, Commonwealth and Improvement Affairs
King Charles Road,
London
SW1A 2AH
Expensive International Secretary
We write because the Israel Palestine Committee of the Church of Scotland, and on behalf of the Common Meeting of the Church of Scotland, which met throughout the week of the 19th Could. The Church of Scotland usually prays for our leaders and representatives as they proceed to do what they’ll to work for a world which supplies justice with peace to all peoples.
The Church of Scotland has a long run presence in Israel – by means of our two church buildings led by Mission Companions from Scotland, a faculty, and two motels. We’ve shut partnerships with different organisations in Israel and Palestine who maintain the identical targets of peace, justice and human rights for all peoples.
On the Common Meeting of the Church of Scotland in Could we heard an handle by Archbishop Hosam Naoum, Archbishop in Jerusalem for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Center East which is one in every of our Associate Church buildings. The Meeting spoke out condemning the resumption of the warfare on Gaza, the blockade of meals and assist, the continued compelled displacement of Gazans, and the continued holding of hostages. We had been instructed as follows:
- Advocate to the Authorities of the UK that it should exert all efforts in direction of the upholding of Worldwide Humanitarian Regulation, the institution of a ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade on meals and humanitarian assist, and the discharge of the remaining hostages.
- Renew the decision to the Authorities (as we did in August 2024) to cease granting export licences for the sale of weapons to Israel.
Earlier Common Assemblies have repeatedly and strongly urged the UK Authorities to recognise at once the State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, as a contribution to securing lasting peace and justice for all. We ask once more that you simply do that, and be part of the 147 different UN member states that achieve this. With out this tangible recognition of the correct of self willpower for the Palestinian individuals, calls by the UK Authorities for a reputable and irreversible pathway in direction of a two-state answer are hole.
We had been glad to learn the joint assertion from leaders of the UK, France and Canada on the scenario in Gaza and the West Financial institution that was printed on 19 Could. We welcomed the acknowledgement that the minimal meals now being let into Gaza is wholly insufficient, and that you simply oppose the enlargement of Israel’s navy operations in Gaza.
Nonetheless, the indication that the actions of the Israeli state in Gaza solely ‘dangers breaking Worldwide Humanitarian Regulation’ seems to not go far sufficient. There’s clear proof of mass killings of civilians, of mass compelled starvation, of mass compelled displacement. Stress from the UK Authorities, in collaboration with that from different nations, for the resumption of enough and correctly administered humanitarian assist, and a everlasting ceasefire, is completely very important to stop additional struggling by the individuals of Gaza, and to allow the hostages nonetheless held in Gaza to be launched.
We additional name on the UK Authorities to droop all arms export licenses to Israel. Current statistics have proven that within the 4th quarter of 2024, regardless of a partial arms export ban, licenses for £127.6m of navy tools to Israel had been permitted. This appears a obtrusive contradiction, when held in opposition to your assertion on the 20th Could that denounced Israel’s actions as “morally unjustifiable… and wholly disproportionate.” Persevering with to grant these licenses makes the UK complicit in Israel’s ongoing violations of worldwide regulation.
We welcomed the reference within the joint assertion to the enlargement of unlawful settlements within the West Financial institution, particularly contemplating the current approval by Israel of one other 22 unlawful settlements. Delegates on a current ecumenical solidarity go to to Israel Palestine visited Masafer Yatta within the southern West Financial institution, met with residents of the villages, and heard first hand of the big pressures they’re beneath from the actions of unlawful settlers.
Harassment, demolitions, and violent assaults on individuals and property are an virtually each day prevalence. We urge the UK Authorities to impose additional sanctions, and for these to be levied in opposition to these organisations working illegally within the West Financial institution – not simply people.
We firmly imagine {that a} everlasting ceasefire, an finish to the struggling of Gazans, and the top of the 58 12 months occupation of the West Financial institution, will convey in regards to the sustainable peace that each Palestinians and Israelis want.
We’d be pleased to satisfy with you or your colleagues to speak additional about our work in Israel and to share a few of our expertise.
We look ahead to listening to from you with a response to this letter, which we will share with our members.
Yours sincerely.
Michael Yuille (Convener) Rev Alistair Cumming (Vice-Convener)
Israel Palestine Committee.
Church of Scotland.
Revealed on 6 June 2025
4 minutes learn
The Church of Scotland has urged International Secretary David Lammy MP to make sure that the UK Authorities does all it could to assist completely finish the warfare in Gaza.
Final month, the Common Meeting condemned the resumption of the warfare on Gaza, the blockade of meals and humanitarian assist, the continued forcible displacement of Gazans and the continued holding of hostages.

A letter despatched by The Israel Palestine Committee, writing on behalf of the Common Meeting, units out of a spread of requires motion.
It calls on the UK Authorities to advocate for a everlasting ceasefire, an finish to the struggling of Gazans, an finish to the occupation of the West Financial institution and the suspension of arms export licenses to Israel.
Learn the letter in full.
Rt Hon David Lammy MP
Secretary of State for International, Commonwealth and Improvement Affairs
King Charles Road,
London
SW1A 2AH
Expensive International Secretary
We write because the Israel Palestine Committee of the Church of Scotland, and on behalf of the Common Meeting of the Church of Scotland, which met throughout the week of the 19th Could. The Church of Scotland usually prays for our leaders and representatives as they proceed to do what they’ll to work for a world which supplies justice with peace to all peoples.
The Church of Scotland has a long run presence in Israel – by means of our two church buildings led by Mission Companions from Scotland, a faculty, and two motels. We’ve shut partnerships with different organisations in Israel and Palestine who maintain the identical targets of peace, justice and human rights for all peoples.
On the Common Meeting of the Church of Scotland in Could we heard an handle by Archbishop Hosam Naoum, Archbishop in Jerusalem for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Center East which is one in every of our Associate Church buildings. The Meeting spoke out condemning the resumption of the warfare on Gaza, the blockade of meals and assist, the continued compelled displacement of Gazans, and the continued holding of hostages. We had been instructed as follows:
- Advocate to the Authorities of the UK that it should exert all efforts in direction of the upholding of Worldwide Humanitarian Regulation, the institution of a ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade on meals and humanitarian assist, and the discharge of the remaining hostages.
- Renew the decision to the Authorities (as we did in August 2024) to cease granting export licences for the sale of weapons to Israel.
Earlier Common Assemblies have repeatedly and strongly urged the UK Authorities to recognise at once the State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, as a contribution to securing lasting peace and justice for all. We ask once more that you simply do that, and be part of the 147 different UN member states that achieve this. With out this tangible recognition of the correct of self willpower for the Palestinian individuals, calls by the UK Authorities for a reputable and irreversible pathway in direction of a two-state answer are hole.
We had been glad to learn the joint assertion from leaders of the UK, France and Canada on the scenario in Gaza and the West Financial institution that was printed on 19 Could. We welcomed the acknowledgement that the minimal meals now being let into Gaza is wholly insufficient, and that you simply oppose the enlargement of Israel’s navy operations in Gaza.
Nonetheless, the indication that the actions of the Israeli state in Gaza solely ‘dangers breaking Worldwide Humanitarian Regulation’ seems to not go far sufficient. There’s clear proof of mass killings of civilians, of mass compelled starvation, of mass compelled displacement. Stress from the UK Authorities, in collaboration with that from different nations, for the resumption of enough and correctly administered humanitarian assist, and a everlasting ceasefire, is completely very important to stop additional struggling by the individuals of Gaza, and to allow the hostages nonetheless held in Gaza to be launched.
We additional name on the UK Authorities to droop all arms export licenses to Israel. Current statistics have proven that within the 4th quarter of 2024, regardless of a partial arms export ban, licenses for £127.6m of navy tools to Israel had been permitted. This appears a obtrusive contradiction, when held in opposition to your assertion on the 20th Could that denounced Israel’s actions as “morally unjustifiable… and wholly disproportionate.” Persevering with to grant these licenses makes the UK complicit in Israel’s ongoing violations of worldwide regulation.
We welcomed the reference within the joint assertion to the enlargement of unlawful settlements within the West Financial institution, particularly contemplating the current approval by Israel of one other 22 unlawful settlements. Delegates on a current ecumenical solidarity go to to Israel Palestine visited Masafer Yatta within the southern West Financial institution, met with residents of the villages, and heard first hand of the big pressures they’re beneath from the actions of unlawful settlers.
Harassment, demolitions, and violent assaults on individuals and property are an virtually each day prevalence. We urge the UK Authorities to impose additional sanctions, and for these to be levied in opposition to these organisations working illegally within the West Financial institution – not simply people.
We firmly imagine {that a} everlasting ceasefire, an finish to the struggling of Gazans, and the top of the 58 12 months occupation of the West Financial institution, will convey in regards to the sustainable peace that each Palestinians and Israelis want.
We’d be pleased to satisfy with you or your colleagues to speak additional about our work in Israel and to share a few of our expertise.
We look ahead to listening to from you with a response to this letter, which we will share with our members.
Yours sincerely.
Michael Yuille (Convener) Rev Alistair Cumming (Vice-Convener)
Israel Palestine Committee.
Church of Scotland.
Revealed on 6 June 2025
4 minutes learn
The Church of Scotland has urged International Secretary David Lammy MP to make sure that the UK Authorities does all it could to assist completely finish the warfare in Gaza.
Final month, the Common Meeting condemned the resumption of the warfare on Gaza, the blockade of meals and humanitarian assist, the continued forcible displacement of Gazans and the continued holding of hostages.

A letter despatched by The Israel Palestine Committee, writing on behalf of the Common Meeting, units out of a spread of requires motion.
It calls on the UK Authorities to advocate for a everlasting ceasefire, an finish to the struggling of Gazans, an finish to the occupation of the West Financial institution and the suspension of arms export licenses to Israel.
Learn the letter in full.
Rt Hon David Lammy MP
Secretary of State for International, Commonwealth and Improvement Affairs
King Charles Road,
London
SW1A 2AH
Expensive International Secretary
We write because the Israel Palestine Committee of the Church of Scotland, and on behalf of the Common Meeting of the Church of Scotland, which met throughout the week of the 19th Could. The Church of Scotland usually prays for our leaders and representatives as they proceed to do what they’ll to work for a world which supplies justice with peace to all peoples.
The Church of Scotland has a long run presence in Israel – by means of our two church buildings led by Mission Companions from Scotland, a faculty, and two motels. We’ve shut partnerships with different organisations in Israel and Palestine who maintain the identical targets of peace, justice and human rights for all peoples.
On the Common Meeting of the Church of Scotland in Could we heard an handle by Archbishop Hosam Naoum, Archbishop in Jerusalem for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Center East which is one in every of our Associate Church buildings. The Meeting spoke out condemning the resumption of the warfare on Gaza, the blockade of meals and assist, the continued compelled displacement of Gazans, and the continued holding of hostages. We had been instructed as follows:
- Advocate to the Authorities of the UK that it should exert all efforts in direction of the upholding of Worldwide Humanitarian Regulation, the institution of a ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade on meals and humanitarian assist, and the discharge of the remaining hostages.
- Renew the decision to the Authorities (as we did in August 2024) to cease granting export licences for the sale of weapons to Israel.
Earlier Common Assemblies have repeatedly and strongly urged the UK Authorities to recognise at once the State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, as a contribution to securing lasting peace and justice for all. We ask once more that you simply do that, and be part of the 147 different UN member states that achieve this. With out this tangible recognition of the correct of self willpower for the Palestinian individuals, calls by the UK Authorities for a reputable and irreversible pathway in direction of a two-state answer are hole.
We had been glad to learn the joint assertion from leaders of the UK, France and Canada on the scenario in Gaza and the West Financial institution that was printed on 19 Could. We welcomed the acknowledgement that the minimal meals now being let into Gaza is wholly insufficient, and that you simply oppose the enlargement of Israel’s navy operations in Gaza.
Nonetheless, the indication that the actions of the Israeli state in Gaza solely ‘dangers breaking Worldwide Humanitarian Regulation’ seems to not go far sufficient. There’s clear proof of mass killings of civilians, of mass compelled starvation, of mass compelled displacement. Stress from the UK Authorities, in collaboration with that from different nations, for the resumption of enough and correctly administered humanitarian assist, and a everlasting ceasefire, is completely very important to stop additional struggling by the individuals of Gaza, and to allow the hostages nonetheless held in Gaza to be launched.
We additional name on the UK Authorities to droop all arms export licenses to Israel. Current statistics have proven that within the 4th quarter of 2024, regardless of a partial arms export ban, licenses for £127.6m of navy tools to Israel had been permitted. This appears a obtrusive contradiction, when held in opposition to your assertion on the 20th Could that denounced Israel’s actions as “morally unjustifiable… and wholly disproportionate.” Persevering with to grant these licenses makes the UK complicit in Israel’s ongoing violations of worldwide regulation.
We welcomed the reference within the joint assertion to the enlargement of unlawful settlements within the West Financial institution, particularly contemplating the current approval by Israel of one other 22 unlawful settlements. Delegates on a current ecumenical solidarity go to to Israel Palestine visited Masafer Yatta within the southern West Financial institution, met with residents of the villages, and heard first hand of the big pressures they’re beneath from the actions of unlawful settlers.
Harassment, demolitions, and violent assaults on individuals and property are an virtually each day prevalence. We urge the UK Authorities to impose additional sanctions, and for these to be levied in opposition to these organisations working illegally within the West Financial institution – not simply people.
We firmly imagine {that a} everlasting ceasefire, an finish to the struggling of Gazans, and the top of the 58 12 months occupation of the West Financial institution, will convey in regards to the sustainable peace that each Palestinians and Israelis want.
We’d be pleased to satisfy with you or your colleagues to speak additional about our work in Israel and to share a few of our expertise.
We look ahead to listening to from you with a response to this letter, which we will share with our members.
Yours sincerely.
Michael Yuille (Convener) Rev Alistair Cumming (Vice-Convener)
Israel Palestine Committee.
Church of Scotland.