The Church of Scotland has urged the UK government to call for an “immediate and permanent” ceasefire in Gaza.

In a letter addressed to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the Church’s Israel Palestine Committee argued that such a pause in fighting would “stop the suffering of the people of Gaza” and “help avert the very real fear of a wider regional war.”

The Committee stressed that Hamas must also agree to the ceasefire, which they believe would “enable the hostages currently held in Gaza to be released.”

The letter also highlighted the case of Layan Nasir, a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem currently under administrative detention, urging the UK government to “secure her release, along with thousands of others who are in a similar situation and held without charge.”

The Committee criticised the delayed suspension of arms export licences despite the International Court of Justice's ruling against Israel's actions in the Occupied Territories. “Whilst it is understood that UK companies provide only a small amount of the total number of arms to Israel, it still makes them complicit in Israel's ongoing violations of international law. We call on the UK government to immediately suspend arms export licences to Israel,” the letter stated.

Additionally, the Committee urged the UK government to reinstate funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and to swiftly recognise the State of Palestine alongside Israel, as essential steps toward lasting peace and justice.

The letter concluded with a broader appeal: “We stand as part of a growing multifaith and international cry for an end to the conflict as soon as possible: a release of Israeli hostages, a permanent ceasefire for the civilians in Gaza, an end to our nation's arming another when those weapons are used for offensive rather than defensive purposes, and for an urgent increase in humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering and desperate need which has arisen.”