Muslim Council of Britain

Date: 03 March 2008

Press Release

Condemnation of Gaza Mass Killings British Muslims Appalled At Miliband's Selective

The Muslim Council of Britain is deeply concerned that Britain is continuing to adopt a policy of partisan support for Israel despite its atrocious behaviour in Gaza this week where it has killed over 100 Palestinians including several children as young as six months old.

"The Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, explicitly says that he condemns the use by some Palestinian groups of poor quality home made rockets, yet inexplicably he seems to refrain from condemning the far more serious military firepower deployed by Israel against Gaza's civilian population. This is blatantly one-sided and does our image in the international community and across the Muslim world no favours whatsoever.� said Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari.

He further adds : �The actions of Israel's military machine has been condemened by the UN Secretary general and even drew censure from the US State Department. Instead, our government should be insisting on the requirement for Israel to abide by all relevant UN resolutions and withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territories, dismantle its illegal Jewish settlements and honour the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes. If we are serious about wanting peace, we must act as honest brokers, not partisan bystanders. " Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain.

Issued by the Muslim Council of Britain

[ENDS]Notes to Editors:
The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK's largest Muslim umbrella body with over 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools.
Media enquiries should be addressed to the MCB Media Office on 0845 26 26 786 or 07956 353 738. Email: media@mcb.org.uk.