Petition exceeding 100,000 demands UK inquiry into Gaza involvement

The petition specifically requests “an inquiry into any British involvement in Israeli operations in Gaza,” encompassing the potential sale, supply, or utilization of weaponry, surveillance technology, and Royal Air Force bases.

Jennifer Forbes, chair of the executive committee of Your Party, spearheaded the initiative. Your Party is a left-wing political party founded by former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, who currently serves as its parliamentary leader.

Signatories are seeking an inquiry with the authority to question government officials and ministers involved in decisions related to the UK’s involvement, particularly concerning arms shipments to Israel. Jeremy Corbyn stated on X, “We are not going away until we get this inquiry. We want the truth, and we want justice.”

The UK maintains a long-standing alliance with Israel and has reportedly provided support during the ongoing conflict. An Al Jazeera investigation released in 2024 detailed how the UK facilitated military support through an air bridge crucial to sustaining the intensity of the war on Gaza, and that UK-based companies supply parts used in aircraft involved in bombing campaigns.

While the UK has historically supported Israel, some observers suggest a recent policy shift. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, after assuming leadership in July, acknowledged that the Labour Party’s previous stance on Israel had been flawed and caused “huge hurt.”

Reaching 100,000 signatures is not uncommon for parliamentary petitions in the UK; other active petitions currently exceeding this threshold address topics such as pension age reduction and the addition of folic acid to flour. These petitions mandate only consideration for debate by lawmakers.