We the members of the Thames Valley Masaajid Council welcome the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, marking a cessation in the 15 months of devastating violence that has tragically claimed over 47,000 lives and indiscriminately destroyed civilian society. The conflict has left communities shattered, with widespread destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship, including the mosques and churches.
The destruction brought on Gaza has long awaited an urgent comprehensive global response. While the ceasefire is a welcome development, it must be accompanied by actionable steps towards justice and sustainable peace to ensure the dignity, security, and equality of Palestinian people.
While this ceasefire provides some relief, it is critical to focus on accountability and justice for the human rights abuses, genocide and indiscriminate attacks on hospitals and refugee camps.
United Nations and the wider international community must develop an urgent plan to rebuild lives and infrastructure of displaced people and address the deep-seated causes of this conflict to pave the way for enduring peace.
TVMC calls upon the UK government and the global community to pursue long term peace by:
1. Respecting International Law and the ICC’s Decision: Uphold the International Criminal Court’s decision on plausible genocide by ensuring accountability and enforcing arrest warrants against those responsible for atrocities. Failure to do so will encourage impunity and further erode trust in global institutions.
2. Ensuring Justice and Accountability: Comprehensive investigations into the nature and scale of civilian casualties; the killing of new-born babies and children, healthcare workers, peacekeepers, journalists and civilians, and the targeting of schools and hospitals must lead to actionable justice.
3. Facilitating unhindered Humanitarian Aid: An immediate and unrestricted access to humanitarian assistance is vital to address the dire needs of displaced and su^ering communities and support Gaza’s long-term recovery,
4. Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Long-term peace requires addressing the systemic injustices and flagrant abuse of power that underpin this conflict. A fair and just resolution for the people of Palestine through the implementation of their own independent state must be a global priority.
5. Implement an Arms Embargo: The UK Government must halt the sale of arms that could perpetuate violence or contribute to the oppression of civilians and ensure it does not become complicit in this never-ending human catastrophe.
The Thames Valley East Masaajid Council reaffirms its commitment to advocating for justice and accountability for all. This moment calls for determined e^orts beyond temporary ceasefires to achieve lasting resolutions. Together, we can aspire to a future rooted in hope, equity, and enduring peace.
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Media Contact:
Email: office@tvmc.org.uk
WhatsApp: 07379 551 005
Thames Valley East Masaajid Council:
- Al Madni Masjid
- Jamia Masjid and Islamic Centre Slough
- Masjid Al Jannah
- Maidenhead Mosque and Islamic Centre
- Windsor Muslim Association
- Tawheed Islamic Education Centre of Maidenhead
- Langley Islamic Centre
- Masjid Ilyas
- Ujala Foundation
Note to Editors
The Thames Valley East Masaajid Council (TVMC) is a conglomerate of mosques based in Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead. TVMC represents local Muslim communities and partners statutory and non-statutory organisations as well as other religious communities to improve racial and religious harmony in the region.
