Month: May 2025

The vigils continue


As the horror in Gaza continues, so do the vigils in Salisbury. information about forthcoming film event

May 2025

Saturday 24th May was the 77th vigil to be held in Salisbury with a healthy attendance as is usual. It has been remarkable that up to 40 attend each week in this activity with no real organisation and very little promotion. There has been only one mention in the local paper and it is noteworthy that the local MP has never appeared nor mentioned the vigil in his weekly column courtesy of the Salisbury Journal: that is 77 vigils and no appearance.

A crucial element in the continuing death toll and destruction is the nature of the information which is being provided to the British people. A talk is being given on this very subject on 6 June entitled Censoring Palestine it will be on June 6th starting at 7 for 7:30 and is free with a parting collection. It will be at the United Reform Church, in Fisherton Street in Salisbury.

Poor information

There are many aspects to the poor information which the public is receiving about the conflict. These include:

  • A deep fear by the BBC in particular and the Labour Party more generally, about being labelled ‘anti-Semitic’. The Israeli government has waged a relentless and largely successful campaign to label any criticism of their actions as such and also being ‘pro-Hamas’. This is ironic since it was Netanyahu and others in his government who funded and supported Hamas in an attempt to weaken the PLO to stave off claims for a Palestinian state. In recent months, the BBC has begun to stiffen its coverage but it is refusing to broadcast the latest film on the area.
  • The Israeli government has prevented outside journalists from entering Gaza making objective reporting very difficult. Journalist who are there are subject to intimidation and 180 have been killed by various means. This has enabled claims that individuals are being used as ‘human shields’ by Hamas and that hospitals are ‘control centres’ for them, to justify the continued destruction of property and hospitals.
  • Very little evidence has ever been provided by the Israelis to demonstrate these claims. We have never been shown a ‘control centre’ despite the frequency of the claims as to their existence.
  • A successful campaign to establish as a supposed fact that all the recent events started on October 7th with the horrific attack by Hamas where 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage. Western media rarely mention 1948. Huge numbers of people in the UK are unaware of the ferocious assault on Palestinians which took place in 1948 and on into 1949. Between 750,000 and 1 million were forcibly displaced, thousands killed on the spot or made to walk huge distances towards Jordan or other parts. Village after village was destroyed. To read of the methods employed by the Stern Gang and Hagana in the clearing of vast areas of Palestinians is a distressing experience. Known as the Nakba, it is seldom referred to in our media leaving the overriding impression that recent events were all as a result of October 7th.
  • Biased language used to describe events. For example, Hamas seized 251 ‘hostages’ some of whom it still holds. In some of the exchanges which took place it is reported that Palestinian ‘prisoners’ were exchanged for Israeli ‘hostages’. The so-called prisoners however, were little more than hostages having been arrested without warrants by IDF personnel, never brought to court, not allowed legal representation, brutally tortured and moved from prison to prison in Israel. Quite what is the difference between a Hamas hostage and an Israeli prisoner? British media persist in this confusion of language. It has falsely given the impression of a terrorist group giving up hostages in exchange for individuals who have been through the court process for committing a crime

There are some welcome signs of change certainly on TV coverage. Channel 4 in particular and the BBC to an extent are beginning to devote longer chunks of time and to display the terrible carnage that is Gaza. Right wing media still persist, for example in the Daily Telegraph where we see the October 7th argument repeated again: “Lammy’s decision, therefore, to jump on the anti-Zionist bandwagon by suspending trade talks with Israel over its “intolerable” military operations in Gaza is entirely in keeping with his world view. Rather than condemning the real architects of Gaza’s misery, the Iranian-backed Hamas jihadis who started the conflict with their murderous October 7 assault on Israel.” Note ‘intolerable’ in inverted commas and criticism of Israel as ‘anti-Zionist’.

It will be interesting to hear of the views in Censoring Palestine on 6 June.

Below is a video of the 77th vigil and we are grateful to Peter Gloyns for permission to post it.

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Россия запрещает Амнистию


Russia bans Amnesty International

May 2025

The Prosecutor General’s Office announced on 19 May that Amnesty would be closed in Russia. It claimed it was ‘promoting Russophobic projects’ and that it was an ‘undesirable organisation’. Amnesty thus joins many other organisations both within Russia and outside which have been banned, marginalised or forced to toe the party line.

“You must be doing something right if the Kremlin bans you,” Amnesty International Secretary General

Agnès Callamard said in a statement. “This decision is part of the Russian government’s broader effort to silence dissent and isolate civil society.” Scores of activists and dissidents have been imprisoned, killed or exiled, where independent media has been smeared, blocked or forced to self-censor, and where civil society organizations have been outlawed or liquidated. Navalny was just one of many who tried to highlight the corruption which is rampant in the state and who died in questionable circumstances in a remote prison camp in February last year.

The closure will not hinder efforts to highlight the civil and human rights issues in Russia.

Picture – Prosecutor General, Moscow, kremlin.ru

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People in the Park


Successful day at this event in Salisbury

May 2025

Members of the group attended the People in the Park event in Salisbury last Saturday and reported a successful day with a lot of interest in human rights issues. This environmentally-focused community festival aims to showcase Salisbury’s green organisations, projects and businesses.

We had a petition on behalf of an environmental campaigner who has been imprisoned in Paraguay, a reminder that campaigners face real threats in some countries if they take on the powerful commercial companies who care little for the environment or indigenous peoples. The petition was willingly signed and we collected several pages. We also had a spinning wheel which stopped at a particular colour to which a question on human rights was posed. Many stopped to have a go.

We also had a handout on refugees a topic which causes great angst in the UK. The recent elections were heavily influenced by this issue and Reform won many seats promising to cure the problem. The Prime Minister was prompted to make a speech on the question which some have felt ill-judged. He said:

“Labour would “take back our borders” and warned that without tighter immigration controls, Britain risks “becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together””. (Leftfootforward.org)

It has been likened to the infamous ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech given by Enoch Powell in 1968 and has been widely condemned. We found our handout, which gave a more balanced view of the world wide nature of the problem, was taken willingly by passers-by. See also a monthly report we prepare.

Altogether, we came away pleased with the responses we received. This is always reassuring as there is considerable media invective directed against the Human Rights Act and recently, the European Convention. All our ‘Stop arming Israel’ stickers went and we ran out of leaflets.

Thanks to group members Andrew, Fiona, Val, Eddie and Peter who took part.

Sequence of photos: Amnesty

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Appeal case – arms to Israel


Update on the case from Amnesty and Human Rights Watch

May 2025

Amnesty has issued an update on this case which is currently before the Appeal Court. There is a video clip attached.

See also a post from Human Rights Watch;

“How could they have allowed that to happen? This is the question everyone asks, years later, when looking back at mass atrocity crimes in the past. Everything’s so clear when it’s described in history books – war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide…  

It’s not that these things aren’t clear at the time exactly. In fact, in recent decades, they have often been well-documented in excruciating detail more or less as they happen. Yet, somehow, when these things are unfolding in real time, some folks seem unable – maybe, more often, unwilling – to accept the evidence of their eyes and ears. Various considerations distract international leaders in particular: prejudices, alliances, politics…  

There can never be any justification for the worst kinds of crimes known to humanity, but that doesn’t keep leaders from trying to offer some. And with that, you move toward the future answer to the future question: The world at the time had leaders who refused to take a stand and defend humanity when it mattered most.  

Today, everyone can see Israel has been committing atrocities in Gaza during hostilities since October 7, 2023. We’ve seen systematic destruction of homes, apartment buildings, orchards and fields, schools, hospitals, and water and sanitation facilities. Israel has also openly used starvation as a weapon of war.  

These actions amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity including extermination, and acts of genocide. Now, the Israeli government’s latest plan has made its intentions even clearer. They want to demolish what remains of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure and concentrate the Palestinian population (about 2 million people) into one tiny area. 

Israeli government ministers couldn’t make things any more obvious. They say Israel is “finally going to conquer the Gaza Strip.” They threaten that Gaza will be “completely destroyed” and say its Palestinian population will “leave in great numbers to third countries.”  

Some Israeli officials say the Palestinian exodus will be “voluntary.” However, it’s hard to call it voluntary, when Israel has deliberately destroyed the area’s ability to sustain human life. 

If implemented, the plan would amount to an abhorrent escalation of extermination. In fact, Israel’s plan is so obviously extreme and has been made so extremely obvious, it should trigger international action under the Genocide Convention’s “duty to prevent.” 

The 1948 Genocide Convention is an international agreement that embodies the spirit of “never again.” It says a “duty to prevent” genocide arises as soon as a state learns, or should normally have learned, of a serious risk that genocide may be committed.  One hundred and fifty-three countries have signed up to the Convention. These include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. 

Yet, these are some of the very countries that have been supporting the government of Israel most throughout its carnage in Gaza, not least by continuing to provide Israel with weapons even after the atrocities were undeniable. 

Israel’s latest plan should finally, at long last, shake London, Brussels, Berlin, Paris, and Washington to their core. It should make them see beyond everyday politics, to their responsibility to humanity and history – and to their legal obligation to act. 

Without that, the question one day may indeed be, “How could they have allowed that to happen?” And everyone will know the answer.” Human Rights Watch

May 15th

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Arms to Israel: the Appeal starts


Appeal in the High Court over arms to Israel starts

May 2025

The appeal against a lower court’s decision on the question of the UK government’s decision to continue supplying arms to Israel started in the High Court yesterday, 13th May and is expected to last 4 days. The appeal has been brought by al Haq and supported by Amnesty, Human Rights Watch, Oxfam and Global Legal Action Network.

The question of arms sales and sales to Israel causes difficulties for government since it is heavily invested in the trade. It actively supports the industry with arms fairs such as DSEI, with diplomatic support and sometimes members of royalty are deployed to cement relations particularly with the Gulf states. Many jobs depend on the industry. With current government desperate to promote growth, issues of morality and sales to unpleasant regimes are a less significant factor despite government protestations to the contrary. Over 52,000 have been killed in Gaza so far and a major build-up is being planned by the IDF.

Report issued

Meanwhile, a report has been issued and circulated by CAAT which has examined the UK’s exports of arms to Israel using Israeli tax records. Called Exposing UK Arms Exports to Israel it has been produced by the Palestinian Youth Movement, Workers for a Free Palestine and Progressive International. By examining the coding of the imports they are able to determine the nature of what we are exporting to Israel.

‘No observable decrease‘

Government ministers have claimed that ‘much of what we ship is defensive in nature’ (Hansard, 28 October 2024) and ‘no one would suggest we should not sell helmets or goggles to one of our closest allies‘ (Hansard 20 September 2024). However, the analysis shows however that 8,630 shipments have taken place in the category bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines and missiles. There have been 299 shipments of tanks and armoured vehicles. It notes that there has been no observable decrease in shipments since September 2024.

Of particular importance, and the matter which has received most attention, is the sale of F-35 parts. This aircraft is used to drop 2,000 pound bombs on Gaza causing indiscriminate destruction and death. The government could not stop these without causing a major upset with US partners. It would ‘undermine US confidence in the UK and NATO‘ the Defence Secretary said. The licensing restrictions should have led to a reduction in aircraft parts being sent to Israel. The report shows that parts are being sent from RAF Marnham to Tel Aviv airport. There does not appear to be any reduction in shipments. At the Appeal Court hearing, UK government lawyers will argue in court this week that preserving the British role in the F-35 jet fighter programme takes precedence over the need to comply with UK laws on arms export controls, or any UK obligation to prevent a genocide in Israel.

Questions for David Lammy

Selling arms seems to take precedence over other considerations. The oft-repeated statement that the UK has ‘robust controls’ seems at variance with the facts. It claims ‘the UK’s robust export licensing criteria states that the government will not issue export licences if the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law’. A report in the National (Scotland) said that 40 Labour MPs have written to the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, quoting the above report and claiming that he has misled the House. He has been challenged to come to the House of Commons and make a statement about his alleged false claims. Indeed he twice made those claims on the BBC Radio4 PM programme on 8 May and was fortunate that he was not challenged by Evan Davies.

Sources: BBC; CAAT; The Nation; Government statement (others in the text).

The Report can be read here:

REPORT-ExposingUKArmsExportsToIsrael-05072025Download
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Big increase in executions in Iran


This year has seen a further increase in executions in Iran

May 2025

The BBC reported that in 2024, 901 people were believed to be executed in Iran representing a 6% increase over 2023 when 853 were put to death. 31 were women. The chosen method is hanging often in public. The main reasons are murder, rape and drug crimes but also the vague ‘corruption on earth’ used to describe people opposed to he theocracy. Minority groups are also hard hit.

There seems no let up with 343 put to death in the first four months of this year representing a significant increase over the same period in 2024.

Iran joins other countries like China, North Korea and Vietnam which use the penalty extensively. Details of numbers are a secret in those countries. In China it is believed to be thousands. The killing spree has been widely condemned by a range of agencies.

Sources: BBC, Death Penalty Information Center, France 24, Amnesty International.

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People in the Park


Members of the group will be there on Saturday

May 2025

Members of the Salisbury group will be at the People in the Park event this Saturday 17th from around 10:00 and we would be delighted to see you. It would be a good opportunity to say hello if you are interested in joining us. To get an idea of what we are doing, have a glance at our last set of minutes and news. Look forward to seeing you there.

The following handout will be available.

Refugee factsheet March 2023Download
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The 75th Vigil


Strong support for the vigil continues

May 2025

We held our 75th vigil on Saturday 10 May and there were 40 in attendance: the numbers are steady with new people each week. The crisis in Gaza goes from bad to worse with huge parts of the area annexed by Israel. Over 52,000 are dead. We repeated the ‘pot’ theme to echo the scenes of people desperate for food after 70 days of the blockade. We shall be back next Saturday 17th.

Nakba Event 15 May

Salisbury Concern for Israel Palestine are holding an event this week to remember Nakda, when thousands of Palestinians were driven from their homes and villages in 1948. Join Team Nakba and SCIP as we reflect on the Nakba of 1948 and subsequent events in Israel/Palestine. With Canon Jonathan Herbert, Iman Mahmoud, Miranda Pinch, Hilary Bond and the Dean of Salisbury (representing all the Abrahamic traditions).

​Takes place in All Saints Church, Watersmeet Road, Harnham’ Salisbury, SP2 8JH

7.00pm for 7.30pm. Simple refreshments available and Zaytoun Fairtrade produce on sale​.

(Picture courtesy of Peter Gloyns)

Recent posts:

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UK lawyer make questionable remarks about Gaza


The charity UK Lawyers for Israel claim the Gaza conflict might ‘help solve obesity‘

May 2025

UPDATE: 20 May. At the Coop agm, 73% of members did vote to ban Israeli products on its shelves. The Board will now consider this decision.

Few may have heard of this charity which has a prestigious list of members and patrons. It is in the news recently (10 May) because its chief executive made some highly questionable and some might argue ill-judged remarks about the effect on the conflict in Gaza on its citizens. He was referring to a letter published on July 20th 2024 in the Lancet in which the estimate of those killed in the conflict might reach 186,000. The death toll at the time was around 37,000.

The Coop was to debate a motion from its members [No 13] to stop trading with Israel in view of the death toll in Gaza. The motion quotes the Lancet estimate. The UKLFI chief executive Jonathan Turner objected to the Coop motion saying:

“We first pointed out that the letter published in the Lancet on 20 July 2024, to which the motion evidently referred, did not claim that 186,000 Gazans had died in the current war. It did, however, claim – without foundation – that 186,000 Gaza would be likely to die eventually as a result of the war.

“So we pointed out, secondly, that this claim was based on entirely unfounded speculation, which also ignored factors that might result in lengthening the lives of Gazans, given the public health situation existing in Gaza prior to the war, including the extent of obesity. These factors include the possible reduction in the availability of confectionery and cigarettes”.

“In the context in which they were made, our statements were accurate and objective.” (our italics).

The full text can be read here. This might be seen in hindsight as a somewhat warped view of the conflict and on reflection, an apology issued to withdraw them. However, the Guardian article is referenced on their website without any sign of such an apology or retraction [accessed 11 May at 07:00].

The charity’s objectives are – [The] UKLFI Charitable Trust was set up by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI Ltd), which is is an association of lawyers who support Israel and seek to ensure that the rights of Israel and Israelis are respected.

The charity has a range of reports which seek to counter the narratives which appears in the media. These reports have the appearance of research reports with copious references and footnotes. However, on closer inspection the references do not always support the claims made of them. For example, the bombing of hospitals is usually because the IDF claim they are hiding Hamas operations of various kinds. This is the justification for their destruction. Very little evidence is produced by the IDF. In the charity’s report on this there is still no evidence. Indeed one reference is of an article in Haaretz from 2009, some years before the current conflict which says ‘Intelligence officers suspect’ [the Hamas operations]. Other references do not always support the claims made. The report denying a famine in Gaza was produced in 2024 before the current blockade. Among the conclusions to one report is the plea for ‘more transparency’. This is difficult since foreign journalists are not allowed into the area and the high death toll of those who are – 178 journalist and media workers have been killed in the current hostilities.

UKLFI has a list of patrons of some note. They include Lord Dyson; Lady Cosgrove; Baroness Deech; Stephen Hocken KC; Lord Pannick; Lord Grabiner KC and Lord Howard (formerly the MP Michael Howard). Many are well connected in the British establishment.

One has to question the wisdom of an organisation replete with KCs, other notables and members of the House of Lords, making a claim of this kind. Together with the reports on its site, the purpose seems to be to deny, deny and deny despite the mounting evidence of death and destruction wrought by the IDF. They have threatened the government with legal action over its decision to withhold a limited number of arms licences [not ‘all arms licences’ as the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy twice falsely claimed in a BBC interview last week].

Over 52,000 have now died in Gaza.

Sources: Campaign to Protect Journalists, UKLFI; Guardian; Wikipedia

American readers: a KC is a King’s Counsel which is a barrister of at least 10 years standing who is appointed by the monarch as someone ‘learned in the law’.

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May minutes and news


Group minutes, reports and news

May 2025

We are pleased to attach the minutes and news of the group’s activities thanks to group member Lesley for the work in preparing them. There is a list of future events at towards the end and if you are thinking of making contact, one of those would be a good opportunity. We shall be at People in the Park in Elizabeth Gardens, Salisbury on Saturday 17th from around 10:00 all day.

May minutes (Word)Download
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