2025-09-17 Letter to MP Andrew Gwynne regarding recent UN findings on Gaza
September 17, 2025•531 words
Subject: Recent UN Findings on Gaza
Dear Andrew Gwynne,
I am writing to express my deep disappointment that you have not yet responded to my earlier email dated 14 August 2025 regarding 70 questions asked by Declassified UK. Given the gravity of the issues raised, a timely reply would have demonstrated the seriousness with which you treat the concerns of your constituents.
Below, I wish to draw your attention to a recent, highly significant development that underscores the urgency of addressing the Gaza genocide.
The legally rigorous and compelling analysis published yesterday by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory needs to be addressed, especially given the current government's failures. The 71‑page report unequivocally finds that the State of Israel is responsible for committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023.
Key points from the Commission’s findings:
- Genocidal Acts Identified
1.1 Killing members of the group.
1.2 Causing serious bodily or mental harm.
1.3 Deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction, in whole or in part.
1.4 Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.
- Incitement by Senior Israeli Officials
2.1 President Isaac Herzog (a recent guest to the UK!), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant have been found to have incited genocide, with Israeli authorities failing to punish this incitement.
- Evidence of Genocidal Intent
3.1 Statements from Israeli authorities constitute direct evidence of intent.
3.2 The pattern of conduct by Israeli security forces provides circumstantial evidence, leading to the only reasonable inference of genocidal intent.
- State Responsibility
4.1 Israel bears responsibility for the failure to prevent, commit, and punish genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.
The Commission also highlights the direct targeting of children, providing stark statistics:
From 7 October 2023 to 31 July 2025, 18,430 of the 60,199 Palestinians killed were children.
Daily, an average of 10 children have lost one or both legs, often without anaesthesia due to blocked medical supplies.
Children have been deliberately shot, including at shelters and humanitarian distribution sites, despite posing no threat.
These findings dismantle any claim that the actions constitute legitimate self‑defence, counter‑terrorism, or hostage rescue operations. Instead, they point to a systematic strategy aimed at destroying the biological continuity of the Palestinian population in Gaza.
Why This Matters to You as My Representative
Legal Accountability: The Commission explicitly recommends that the International Criminal Court examine the crime of genocide for amendment to existing arrest warrants and consider additional warrants for those most responsible.
Moral Imperative: As an elected official, you have a duty to champion human rights and ensure that the UK government presses for full implementation of the Commission’s recommendations.
Constituent Concern: Many of us are deeply troubled by these revelations and expect decisive action from our representatives.
I respectfully urge you to:
Publicly acknowledge the UN Commission’s findings and condemn the acts identified as genocide.
Advocate within Parliament for the UK to support ICC investigations and any necessary sanctions.
Keep your constituents informed of any steps taken on this matter.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue. I look forward to receiving a substantive response at your earliest convenience.
Yours sincerely,
Ryan Bestford