* Muslim Council calls for a peaceful and dignified protest against current aggression

The Muslim Council of Britain today voiced its concern at the inability of the UK Government to condemn the Israeli government for its attacks on Palestinians in Gaza. Dr Shuja Shafi, the Deputy Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain said: "Israel has attacked and killed innocent civilians in Gaza. Our Foreign Secretary has said that Israelis "have the right to live without fear of attack from Gaza". So do Palestinians, where the casualties are far higher. In the last 48 hours, 115 civilians have been killed or injured, including 26 children and 25 women. Our government rightly condemns the Syrian government for its actions. Surely it must hold the Israeli government to the same standard? It is time for our Government to be an honest broker in this process and not side with a government clearly guilty of murder."

Dignified protest, maintain inter-religious harmony

Dr Shuja Shafi added: "Issues such as these inflame tensions. It is right and proper to lobby our government to act justly on the Israel-Palestine question. We must do so peacefully and with dignity. At the same time, we must stress that this is a political issue and a basic matter of justice. Whatever the problems in the Middle East, we must stand for peace and inter-religious harmony, especially between Muslims and Jews."

Give to Charity

The Muslim Council of Britain urges all to donate to charities aimed at supporting those affected. They include:

Islamic Relief UK

Muslim Aid

Interpal

Lady Fatema Charitable Trust

Human Appeal

Muslim Hands

Monitor the Media

The Muslim Council is also calling for media outlets to report the situation in Gaza fairly and without prejudice. Help us monitor coverage by giving examples and exact dates of media bias in this crisis. Email: media@mcb.org.uk