A COALITION of 17 charities have urged Andy Burnham to take action to end Israel’s atrocities against Palestinians when he becomes PM next Monday.

Amnesty International UK and Save the Children UK were among the humanitarian organisations who called for “decisive action” on Gaza and the occupied West Bank in a joint statement yesterday.

Medical Aid for Palestinians advocacy and research manager Halla Keir said: “Almost three years into Israel’s genocide in Gaza, the need for action could not be clearer. 

“The UK’s obligations under international law are clear. What is needed now is the political courage to act.”

Mr Burnham has apologised for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s military action in Gaza and said that the party needs to “do better” under his leadership.

The coalition is calling on the new government to act immediately to suspend all arms transfers to Israel and end all trade, services and investment that enable Israel’s illegal settlement.

More than 73,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 2023. Last month a UN Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israeli forces and authorities have continued to commit genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in the strip.

ActionAid UK Advocacy and Influencing co-director Joanne O’Neill said: “The UK’s response has so far failed to match the scale and severity of the violations taking place across both Gaza, where the genocide continues, and the West Bank, where the Israeli government’s systematic assault on Palestinian rights is intensifying by the day. 

“The steps that must be taken are clear: what is needed is a prime minister willing to show true political leadership and enact them.” 

Save the Children UK’s Liz Bradshaw added: “No child should ever wish for death so they can eat in heaven, while other children are asking our staff to include them in photographs so they will be remembered if they are killed. 

“The incoming prime minister must chart a different course to his predecessor.”

The coalition also wants ministers to suspend the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement until widespread violations of international law are brought to an end.

They should also publish Britain’s response to the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion and set out a clear timetable for implementing its recommendations, say the charities.