Palestine Solidarity Campaign ask us to write to the FCDO

Posted: 18th October 2025

This past week, as a part of the most recent ceasefire deal, Israel was forced to release 1,968 Palestinian prisoners. Even through minimal news coverage, we’ve seen the devastating condition of those released, who showed visible signs of starvation and extreme torture.

More than 9,000 Palestinians remain in Israeli prisons, including 400 children, and arrest raids have continued in the West Bank throughout the week.  

Write to the FCDO and demand the release of Palestinians still held prisoner by Israel, and support for Palestinian human rights groups documenting and advocating for justice for those who have been detained.

Earlier this week, I was fortunate to have the chance to speak with Sahar Francis, the renowned Palestinian human rights lawyer and long-time advocate for the rights of Palestinian prisoners. She gave a grim assessment of the situation of Palestinian prisoners right now, and where things might be headed.

Palestinian prisoners were already facing horrific conditions before, but this has accelerated beyond anyone’s worst nightmare over the past two years as Israel unleashed its genocide. Palestinians in Israeli detention are being routinely subjected to unspeakable levels and types of torture. Lawyer and family visits, which were already highly restricted, are becoming even more rare. This means that what we know about the condition of prisons is just the tip of the iceberg.  

Israel’s attacks on Palestinian human rights groups have also increased, just when they are needed most, with a laser-sharp focus on those who have facilitated submissions of evidence to the International Criminal Court. The US has joined Israel’s attempts to prevent Palestinians from submitting evidence to the ICC. The Palestinian NGO Addameer, which worked in support of prisoners’ rights, is one of four Palestinian human rights groups which have recently been sanctioned by the US.

The British government has acknowledged that Israel’s treatment of Palestinian prisoners amounts to war crimes. Yet it has continued to conduct ‘business as usual’ with Israel, including through the constant flow of arms exports. We must continue to demand the British government take action to end all its involvement in genocide and apartheid.  

Whilst the ceasefire has stopped the bombing of Gaza for now, it does nothing to address the underlying situation of occupation and apartheid which gave way to the genocide in the first place. The ongoing struggle of Palestinian prisoners is a reminder that the work to end Israel’s apartheid system is far from over.

Sahar Francis echoed what many have told us: our huge marches in London, and our ongoing BDS campaigns, have given so many Palestinians hope and renewed trust in the power of international solidarity. But our work ahead is clear: we must keep up our campaigning until the entire system of apartheid is ended, and every political prisoner is released.

In solidarity,

Ryvka  

Deputy Director, PSC

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