We have sent the following letter to the US Ambassador following Trump’s recent suggestion that they would displace Gaza and take over the region for US development. We have delicately articulated the illegality of this suggestion and the necessity for Palestinians to find peace in their homeland.
Your Excellency
The solution: a viable state for the Palestinian people in their homeland
We are aware that part of your role in the UK is to record and share the views of the British public. The UK Section of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, a 109-year-old women’s peace organisation, is writing to you to share our understanding of these opinions on the subject of Palestine.
The United States of America is a very powerful country, but globally we must all live within a framework of international laws. The United Nations was established after the second world war, so that it would never become possible for a state such as the USA simply to take over Gaza.
People have rights and cannot be displaced by force or coercion.
Countries surrounding Gaza – Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt, which already host millions of displaced Palestinians – cannot and should not be intimidated into accepting more refugees, particularly those who would not be crossing borders by their own choice.
A Gazan resident quoted in the British press says, “No amount of money in the world can replace your homeland”. That is the solution: a viable state for the Palestinian people in their homeland.
WILPF UK hopes that you will convey the sentiment that is being voiced everywhere outside of Israel that the world now needs a negotiated peace, that respects the rights of all the peoples in the Middle East region.
Yours in peace
Fiona McOwan, National Secretary, for WILPF UK Executive Committee
US Ambassador to the Court of St James’s US Embassy London
33 Nine Elms Lane
London SW11 7US
