The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill significantly threatens one of our most basic rights in this country: the right to protest. It first emerged as a response to environmental protests, but it now threatens all protests across Britain.

The Bill includes a range of measures that will make standing up for what you believe more difficult. This includes Palestinian human rights.

Under the proposed Bill the police will be able to shut down any protest that is too disruptive, Stop and Search anyone who might be carrying equipment for a protest and ban certain individuals from any sort of protest. It also includes provisions against locking-on and blocking highways to major routes and motorways.

Certain aspects of the Bill were rejected by the House of Lords in January 2022, so the Bill will now return to the House of Commons to be amended by MPs. We are urging MPs to do all within their power to fight this repressive legislation and protect our right to protest.

Protect the right to protest and raise your voice for Palestine: write to your MP now and urge them to oppose this repressive legislation as a matter of the utmost importance.

For decades, Israel has taken more and more land from Palestinians in Jerusalem, even though Palestinians have lived in Jerusalem for generations. One of Israel’s main methods is the demolition of Palestinian homes to make way for illegal Israeli settlements.

The homes of thousands of Palestinians are under threat. In the al-Bustan area of Silwan in East Jerusalem, over 1500 Palestinians face unlawful home demolitions. In May 2021, the struggles of families in Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem made the headlines. #SaveSheikhJarrah is no longer trending, but the struggle continues. In November 2021, the families of Sheikh Jarrah said no to a ‘compromise’ by Israel that their homes be demolished in 15 years. In Lifta, a Palestinian village which has previously faced ethnic cleansing, Israel plans to build luxury homes on stolen Palestinian land.

Since 2004, almost 1000 Palestinian homes have been destroyed by Israel. Sometimes, Palestinians are even forced to demolish their own homes. In August 2021, 17-year-old Ali Burqan was killed whilst demolishing his family home.

According to Israel’s plans, another 6000 illegal settlements are going to be built in East Jerusalem. This must stop. Israel’s demolition of Palestinian homes to make way for Israeli settlements is illegal under international law and there must be sanctions on Israel. Write to your MP now to #SaveJerusalem.

Many of us aren’t familiar with the term ‘administrative detention’. But as of November 2021, there were 500 Palestinians suffering from this in Israeli prisons. Administrative detention is when Palestinians are arrested by the Israeli occupation forces and held indefinitely without charge or trial, on the grounds that they might commit an offence in the future.

Numerous human rights organisations have condemned Israel’s use of administrative detention. Israel frequently uses this to target human rights activists, university students, mothers of detainees and members of the Palestinian Legislative Council. Palestinians can be held without charge or trial for months or even years.

This is illegal: Israel’s use of administrative detention is a form of collective punishment, which is prohibited under Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

Like other Palestinian prisoners, prison conditions for administrative detainees are appalling. They are subjected to arbitrary beatings, solitary confinement, limited family visits and medical negligence.

This is an ongoing problem which requires urgent action: according to Israeli human rights organisation B’Tselem, since March 2002 not a single month has gone by without Israel holding at least 100 Palestinians in administrative detention.

We call on MPs to publicly condemn this disgraceful treatment of Palestinians. Write to your MP now to stop Israel imprisoning Palestinians without charge or trial.

UK universities invest £450 million in companies complicit in the oppression of Palestinians. We call on British universities to divest from and end their partnerships with Rolls-Royce PLC, BAE Systems, Booking.com and Hewlett Packard.

Divestment (the withdrawal of investment) sends a powerful message to a company that it should change its ways.

We also call on universities to end their partnerships with these companies: whether it’s the Rolls-Royce Centre at Sheffield or Nottingham’s ‘academic partnership’ with BAE Systems.

Why are we asking British universities to sever their ties with these companies?

• As one of the largest arms producers in the world, Rolls-Royce PLC manufactures parts of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. These are used by Israel to attack civilians in Gaza. In May 2021, four high-rise buildings in Gaza City were attacked. Amnesty says these attacks must now be investigated as war crimes.
• As another of the world’s largest arms producers, BAE Systems works with Lockheed Martin and Israeli company Rafael to make the naval Protestor drone. This is used to maintain the blockade of Gaza, which amounts to collective punishment, breaching the Fourth Geneva Convention.
• Online travel agency com advertises accommodation in illegal Israeli settlemenyts. Booking.com has at least 45 hotel and rental contracts in these settlements. This accommodation is built on the former homes of Palestinians, whose expulsion has been deemed a war crime by the United Nations. For sources, please click here and here.

• By providing the technology for the control systems in Israel’s checkpoints, Hewlett Packard (HP) plays a direct role in denying Palestinians Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. HP also has contracts with the Israeli prison system, despite their ‘severe’ violations of children’s rights according to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Take Action

Find your university above and email them to end their complicity in the occupation of Palestine.

Students from over 30 universities took part in FOA’s Day of Solidarity on Campus [Monday 29th November 2021].

Bradford

Check out these videos of support from students calling their institutions to #Divest4Palestine.

The Student Day of Solidarity was covered by MEMO, Al Araby, Palestine Chronicle, Palestine Online, Gulf News Blog, AlBawaba, The Bharat Express

In October, Israel designated six important Palestinian human rights organisations as terrorist groups. This is an extremely concerning attack on Palestinian civil society. These organisations record human rights violations, strengthen democracy and protect children, women and farmers in occupied Palestine.

Israel’s decision has been denounced by the UN and leading human rights groups. UN experts have described it as an ‘attack… on human rights everywhere’ and Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have said it is ‘appalling and unjust’. It is a worrying attempt to silence those whose work exposes the apartheid policies of Israel*.

What can I do?

1. Ask your MP to unreservedly condemn Israel’s designation of Palestinian human rights defenders as ‘terrorist groups’ by releasing a statement of support with the six organisations.

2. Support the six organisations. Engage with their work on social media and share your support for them using #StandWithThe6

The 6 Palestinian organisations:

● Al-Haq

● Addameer

● Defence for Children International Palestine

● The Bisan Center for Research and Development

● Union of Agricultural Work Committees

● Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees

References

*https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=27702&LangID=E and https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/10/israel-opt-designation-of-palestinian-civil-society-groups-as-terrorists-a-brazen-attack-on-human-rights/#Palestine **https://www.hrw.org/report/2021/04/27/threshold-crossed/israeli-authorities-and-crimes-apartheid-and-persecution

How are Booking.com complicit?

Booking.com advertises accommodations within illegal Israeli settlements, in the occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank. They are doing so despite knowing that Israel’s settlements are illegal under international law, and a war crime.

This online travel agency also promotes activities ranging from religious to historic guides, offered by Israeli settlers, within occupied Palestinian territory.

According to Amnesty International, Booking.com has at least 45 hotel and rental contracts within illegal Israeli settlements.

Israeli settlements are built on stolen Palestinian land and is considered illegal under international law. It is developed specifically to accommodate the Jewish citizens of Israel. To establish these settlements, Israel forcefully expels the Palestinians from their homes. This expulsion is regarded by the United Nations as a war crime. Israeli settlements are known to have a detrimental impact on the human rights of the Palestinians.

Booking.com directly contributes to the economy of settlements, therefore supporting its maintenance and further expansion.

By promoting Israeli settlements as a holiday destination, Booking.com is normalising and legitimising the illegal settlements which are in clear violation of international law. By staying at Israeli settlements, people are holidaying in occupation.

Image shows an increase of settlement listings on booking.com

What can you do?

Write to Booking.com now (using action tab above) calling to:

• Cease any current listing of properties, activities and attractions offered by illegal Israeli settlements within the occupied Palestinian territories and provide a clear public explanation as to the reason behind this action.
• Adopt a robust policy, which should be publicly available, committing not to list or in any other way promote properties, activities or attractions offered by illegal Israeli settlements.

Many of us aren’t aware of the level of trade between Israel and the UK. Last year a total of £4.8billion worth of goods and services were traded between the two countries. Exports from the UK amounted to £2.8 billion, these profits are going towards an apartheid state. Imports into the UK amounted to £2.1 billion. The imported produce ends up in our shops, some of which come from illegal Israeli settlements.

Israeli settlements are extremely harmful for the Palestinian people. For an Israeli settlement to be built Palestinian people are forcibly removed from their homes, their homes are demolished and they are then denied access to their own land.

As a part of the process of colonisation of Palestine, Israel takes over Palestinian land, sets up companies on that stolen land and they then employ some Palestinians who have no option but to work there since Israel has taken away the opportunity for them to work for themselves. Palestinians would rather have their land back and than have called for a boycott of Israeli goods.

So, what can you do about this?

1) Something we can adopt in our daily lives is to be more aware of what we are buying. When shopping, it is important to #CheckTheLabel on produce. Avoiding those labelled ‘Produce of Israel’, ‘West Bank’ and the ‘Jordan Valley’ as they are most likely grown in illegal Israeli settlements, on land stolen from Palestinians.

2) Email your MP to call on the Foreign Secretary to ban goods from Israeli settlements. .

The UK government repeatedly condemn Israeli violations and settlements, but continue to trade with them. Although there has been a decrease of £230 million in trade from 2019, it is far from over and we need to continue to keep up the pressure on our government. Trade is a huge aspect in sustaining these illegal Israeli settlements.

You can email your MP above.

National Lobby Day for Palestine

On Wednesday 11th May, we are encouraging individuals from across the UK to meet with their MPs and make a difference for Palestine. You don’t need to have experience in this or be an expert on Palestine, you just need to care. You’ll be supported by us throughout the process.

In the meeting with your MP, we ask that you raise four key issues:

• The siege of Gaza
• The role of British-made weapons in Israeli war crimes
• Britain’s imports of goods from illegal settlements
• The proposed criminalisation of the BDS movement in Britain

By raising these issues, you can make a difference for Palestine. Other supporters from your constituency may also be at the meeting.

On Tuesday 10th May at 6pm, we will host an online briefing where expert speakers will introduce these four key issues and answer any questions you might have.

We will be on hand to support you throughout the process. We will provide you with a short and simple briefing pack and information to give to your MP. We’ll also be on hand to answer any questions you have.

How it works

Arranging the meeting:

• Contact your MP to request a meeting using the option above
• When your MP replies with a time to meet, let us know

Before the meeting:

• We will send you a short and simple briefing pack to read through, which you can use when speaking to your MP
• On <> at <>pm, we will host an online briefing with all the information you need. You can also ask us any questions
• If you have questions at any point, you can email parliament@foa.org.uk to arrange a meeting with us

In the meeting, we encourage you to raise the following four key issues: 

Crisis in Gaza- #EndTheSiege

Gaza has been under siege by Israel for 15 years, meaning nothing can go in or out apart from a very limited amount of aid and a few people. Food, water, medicine and fuel are all scarce in Gaza, and it has been described as the world’s largest open-air prison.

What can your MP do?

They can sign this open letter to the Foreign Secretary calling for an end to Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza.

British arms in Israeli war crimes – #StopArmingIsrael

Since 2014, Britain has exported nearly £500m of equipment and military hardware to Israel. This makes Britain complicit in Israeli war crimes. In May 2021, Israel targeted residential buildings in Gaza and killed over 100 Palestinian civilians. This breaks the international laws of war and amounts to war crimes.

What can your MP do?

They can support Early Day Motion 300, Israel Arms Trade (Prohibition) Bill.

Settlements on stolen Palestinian land – #StopSettlements

Today there are more than 500,000 Israeli settlers living on stolen Palestinian land. This violates international law, but many businesses continue to operate from these settlements and export their goods to the UK.

What can your MP do?

They can sign this statement to ban all illegal Israeli settlement goods to the UK.

Protect BDS – #ProtectBDS

BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) is a peaceful movement calling on Israel to comply with international law. It was successfully used to end apartheid in South Africa but it is under threat in the UK. BDS must be allowed to continue to stand up for basic human rights in Palestine.

The next Aqsa Week is set for 24th February – 2nd March 2022. 

Aqsa Week 6th – 12th March 2021 (live on our YouTube)

Aqsa Week will coincide with al-Isra wal-Miraj (11th March) to bring the love of Al-Aqsa to the global community under the banner of #LoveAqsa.

Aqsa Week is about creating conversations on why we #LoveAqsa

This year, Friends of Al-Aqsa (FOA) has partnered with American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) to deliver an exciting educational week in order to bring a global focus to Al-Aqsa and the Palestinian people.

We are calling upon university societies, families, mosques, work places, halaqas, local councils and parliaments around the world to hold events under the banner of #LoveAqsa.

Aqsa Week should be marked by organising varied events that bring to fore the centrality of Al-Aqsa and the plight of the Palestinians. The events should also recognise other oppressed and colonised people. Aqsa Week should be used to teach Muslim and non-Muslims of the great heritage of Masjid Al-Aqsa and how to support the occupied people around the world.

FOA and AMP have organised a week of events (6 – 12 March) to give a direction on how you can organise programmes in your network or organisation.

Saturday – Launch Event

Sunday – Aqsa and Jerusalem: The Judaization Project

Monday – Al-Aqsa: The Land of the Prophets and Messengers

Monday – Al Aqsa and Al Quds as Integral to Formation of Muslim Identity

Tuesday – UK/US Policy towards Jerusalem

Tuesday – Al Aqsa: A Symbol of Muslimness

Wednesday – Liberating Al Aqsa: Salahudeen and the Crushing of the Crusades

Thursday – Al Aqsa and the Miracle of Isra and Miraj

Thursday – Global Dua for Aqsa

Friday – The Global Islamic Imperative towards Palestinian Liberation

Join our #LoveAqsa Facebook event page to let us know your thoughts and spread the word.

In our sixth year of running Aqsa Week we have now gone global!

It has garnered worldwide support from a number of countries and organisations, including: Ministry of Awqaf Jerusalem, International Union of Muslim Scholars, Ministry of Religious Affair Turkey as well as support from Palestine, South Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Bangladesh, United States, Canada, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, India and Pakistan.

Aqsa Week Support and coverage

Aqsa Week has garnered worldwide support including: Ministry of Awqaf Jerusalem, Jamiatul Ulama in South Africa, MJC, International Union of Muslim Scholars, Ministry of Religious Affair Turkey, Ministry of Religious Affairs in Malaysia, as well as support from Iraq,   Indonesia, Bangladesh, United States, Canada, Hong Kong, India Pakistan and other countries across Europe and Africa.

An extreme amount of support has come from Palestine: Click here, here and here 

Coverage includes: Middle East Eye, MEMO

For resources on Aqsa Week, please click on the categories below

There are 2.3 million Palestinian children living under occupation.

They are targeted, killed and their human rights are violated by Israel.

In the first ten months of 2021, the Israeli army killed 77 Palestinian children. Using lethal force against children is a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is illegal under international law, but the international community fails to hold Israel accountable.

The most recent victim was Amjad Osama Jalal Abu Sultan, a 14-year-old boy murdered by Israeli forces on 14th October 2021.

Every day, Palestinian children’s rights are violated. In 2020, Save the Children spoke to Palestinian children about their experiences in Israeli prisons. 81% had been physically beaten and 52% had been threatened with harm to their families. Often Palestinian children are forced to sign false confessions without a lawyer present.

At this moment there are over 200 Palestinian children in Israeli prisons. 27 of them are in solitary confinement.

Outside prison, Palestinian children face terrifying night raids on their homes and regular violent attacks from Jewish settlers. Their access to education is also hugely reduced by the occupation.

Israel must be held accountable and Palestinian children must be protected. Write to your MP to urge the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa to unreservedly condemn Israel’s targeting, killing and human rights abuses of Palestinian children.