Petition demanding inquiry into UK role in Gaza war passes 100,000 signatures

A petition calling for a public inquiry into what it describes as Britain's "complicity in Israel's genocide in Gaza" has attracted more than 100,000 signatures, crossing the mark on Monday that requires the UK Parliament to consider the subject for a debate.

The petition, published on the parliament's official petitions website, asks for "an inquiry into any British involvement in Israeli operations in Gaza". It names "the sale, supply or use of weapons, surveillance aircraft and Royal Air Force bases" as areas that should be examined.

The campaign was started by Jennifer Forbes, chair of the executive committee of Your Party, a left-wing party set up by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who serves as its parliamentary leader, along with other left-wing figures in the United Kingdom.

Those who signed want an investigation with the authority to question government ministers and officials who took part in decisions about the UK's role in the war, above all on the supply of arms to Israel.

Corbyn signaled that the campaign would continue beyond the petition milestone. "We are not going away until we get this inquiry. We want the truth, and we want justice," he wrote in a post on X.

The United Kingdom has long been one of Israel's closest allies and has reportedly supported the country's genocidal war on Gaza. A 2024 investigation by Al Jazeera found that Britain gave military support to Israel by setting up an air bridge that was vital to sustaining the intensity of the war. Companies and factories based in the UK also supply crucial parts found in the jets used to bomb Gaza.

Experts say Britain's policy of support for Israel has shifted in recent months. After taking over the leadership in July, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the ruling Labour Party "got wrong" its position on Israel and accepted that the stance had caused "huge hurt".

Reaching six figures is not unusual for petitions on the parliament website. Among the petitions currently above 100,000 signatures are one calling for the pension age to be reduced and another demanding a stop to the addition of folic acid to flour. Whatever their totals, the petitions oblige lawmakers only to consider holding a debate, not to take any further action.