ISLAMABAD: Global pop icon Dua Lipa and nearly 300 other British public figures have signed an open letter calling on the United Kingdom to immediately suspend arms sales to Israel, in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The letter was addressed to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and demanded urgent action to halt what the signatories describe as the UK’s “complicity in the horrors” unfolding in Gaza.
Stars Unite for Gaza Ceasefire and Humanitarian Action
The letter, organized by humanitarian group Choose Love, includes a powerful message: “You can’t call it ‘intolerable’ and keep sending arms.” Among the high-profile signatories are actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, Riz Ahmed, and musicians like Paloma Faith, Annie Lennox, and Massive Attack.
Dua Lipa, who has consistently voiced her stance against the Israeli military offensive, referred to the situation as a “genocide” in previous statements.
The appeal also gained the support of sports broadcaster Gary Lineker, who recently stepped down from his role at the BBC after controversy over his social media activity.
The letter calls for the UK government to take immediate steps including suspending all arms exports to Israel, ensuring full humanitarian access to Gaza, and pushing for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
Human Rights Groups and Legal Experts Join the Chorus
The celebrity-led campaign follows similar appeals by over 800 UK lawyers—including former Supreme Court justices—and nearly 400 British and Irish authors, all warning that Israel’s actions could constitute genocide. Their letters criticized the government’s inaction and called for accountability under international law.
The UK had previously suspended 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing risks of humanitarian law violations. However, critics say this measure falls short as Israeli operations continue to escalate.
The renewed offensive, which resumed after a failed ceasefire in March, has reportedly led to over 54,000 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
With widespread international concern over rising casualties, famine risks, and aid blockades, the pressure on the UK to reassess its position is mounting.
