Stop the War coalition Newsletter - 17/01/25

The ceasefire deal, which looks likely to come into effect on Sunday, is a massive relief to the people of Gaza. It gives hope that the bloodshed may end.

Had Biden wanted, this deal could have been reached many months ago, saving thousands of lives. But instead the US and UK continued to arm Israel, allowing red line after red line to be crossed without consequence, and Gaza to become a ‘hell on earth’.

Thursday’s delayed ratification by Netanyahu’s government should be seen as a warning of how fragile the deal is – will it hold beyond its initial phase – a period of only 6 weeks? Issues over the delivery of aid, the reconstruction and governance of Gaza, and the withdrawal of the IDF may yet cause the deal to fall apart.

Meanwhile Israeli airstrikes continue – more than 100 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed since the deal was announced.

It is therefore crucial we keep on protesting. We need to make clear to our government that the war criminal Netanyahu must be pursued to The Hague, that the slaughter must stop now and that Britain must stop arming Israel. This is why we are urging our supporters to join us on Whitehall at 12 noon on Saturday, where we will commemorate the thousands who have been killed in this genocide and show the watching world that we will stand in solidarity with Palestine until justice is achieved.

Following in the footsteps of Suella Braverman, the Metropolitan Police along with Starmer and his government, have tried to curtail our right to protest. We have strongly rejected this attack on our democratic rights, and thanks to the groundswell of support from across the movement the police have now indicated they will permit us to assemble at Whitehall. We reiterate our call that they also allow us to march.

Let’s make this demonstration as big as possible. Join us at Whitehall, midday on Saturday 18 January.

We are asking people to bring flowers, a toy or child’s shoe to commemorate the victims of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Please organise for the next Click here for ideas for what you can do to take part

AGM – online – 2 February, 12-4pm

Calling all StW groups, affiliates and members! You are invited to attend our 2024 – 2025 AGM, which will take place online on  Sunday 2 February 2025, 12pm – 4pm. Details here.

The AGM is where the policies of the coalition are discussed and decided for the next year. All Stop the War members, along with delegates from local groups (up to 4 delegates) and affiliates (up to 2 delegates), are entitled to attend and vote.

Please make sure to register your delegates by Friday 31 January 2025.

January Membership Offer

This month only you can support Stop the War for a year and become a member for just £25. This offer will only last until the end of January.

This week’s anti-war briefing