Dua Lipa and Public Figures Urge UK to End Arms Sales to Israel Amid Gaza Crisis

The escalating conflict in Gaza has prompted over 300 prominent UK public figures, including singer Dua Lipa, to publicly demand that the UK government immediately end all arms sales to Israel. This collective call to action highlights growing concerns over the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, where thousands of civilians have lost their lives amid ongoing military operations. The letter, organized by the charity Choose Love, urges the UK to take a stronger stance by suspending arms exports and pushing for an immediate ceasefire to protect innocent lives.

UK Celebrities Unite Against Arms Sales to Israel

Over 300 Public Figures Sign Open Letter

A diverse group of UK celebrities spanning music, film, and activism—including Dua Lipa, Gary Lineker, Benedict Cumberbatch, Annie Lennox, Paloma Faith, and the band Massive Attack—have signed an open letter demanding the UK government halt arms sales to Israel1. The letter calls for:

• Immediate suspension of all UK arms exports to Israel.
• Unrestricted humanitarian access for aid agencies in Gaza.
• A government-led effort to broker a permanent ceasefire to protect civilians, especially children.

Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos, among the signatories, emphasized the dire situation, noting the acute malnutrition affecting 71,000 children under four years old in Gaza.

Dua Lipa Labels Israel’s Offensive “Genocide”

Dua Lipa has been outspoken in her condemnation of the Israeli military campaign, describing it as “genocide” and highlighting the devastating impact on Palestinian civilians1. Other signatories echoed this sentiment, stressing the UK’s complicity through arms sales and the moral imperative to act.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Stark Realities

Death Toll and Starvation

The Gaza health ministry reports that over 54,000 people have died in Gaza due to the conflict, the majority of whom are civilians1. The region has endured an 11-week blockade that severely restricted food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid, leading to catastrophic hunger and suffering among its 2.1 million residents.

Impact on Children

The blockade and ongoing hostilities have left tens of thousands of children acutely malnourished, with many facing life-threatening conditions. Aid distribution centers have been overwhelmed, and the UN has warned of catastrophic levels of hunger and injury caused by crowding and tensions during aid delivery.

UK Government Response and Political Context

Partial Suspension of Arms Licenses

In September 2024, the UK government suspended 30 out of approximately 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing a “clear risk” that the weapons could be used in violations of humanitarian law1. However, activists argue this is insufficient and demand a total ban on all arms sales, including components for military aircraft like the F-35 jets, which the UK continues to supply due to its role in the global supply chain.

Statements from Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly described the suffering in Gaza as “intolerable” and criticized the limited aid allowed by Israel as “utterly inadequate”. Alongside French and Canadian leaders, Starmer warned Israel of “concrete actions” should military operations in Gaza expand further.

A UK government spokesperson reiterated the official stance:

• Opposition to the expansion of military operations in Gaza.
• Calls for Israel to cease its offensive and allow unfettered humanitarian aid.
• Continued refusal to issue export licenses for goods that could be used in the conflict.
• Urging all parties to agree on a ceasefire and pursue sustainable peace.

Legal and Cultural Community Mobilization

Legal Experts Warn of Genocide

More than 800 UK-based legal experts, including former Supreme Court justices, have signed a separate letter warning that “genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza”. This legal condemnation adds significant weight to calls for immediate action.

Writers and Artists Amplify the Message

Over 380 writers from Britain and Ireland have also issued warnings about Israel’s actions, joining the chorus of cultural figures demanding an end to UK complicity through arms sales.

The Road Ahead: Calls for Action

The collective voices of celebrities, legal experts, and humanitarian organizations underscore a growing demand for the UK government to take decisive action amid one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history. Josie Naughton, founder of Choose Love, emphasized:

“Words won’t save the lives of Palestinian children as they are being killed, words won’t fill their empty stomachs. We need action from Keir Starmer now.”

As the conflict continues, the pressure mounts on the UK government to balance geopolitical alliances with urgent humanitarian concerns. The call to end arms sales to Israel is gaining momentum as public figures leverage their platforms to advocate for peace and justice.