Peace and Justice Project launch #MusicForACeasfire open letter

Jeremy Corbyn's Peace and Justice project has launched the #MusicForACeasefire open letter from artists, musicians and performers calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the bombardment of Palestine.

When the announcement was made on November 11, original signees included The Blessed Madonna, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Martyn Ware, Melé, Midland and 32 others.

Since then over 300 more artists have undersigned the letter including Becky Hill, Ghetts, Idles, Paloma Faith and Primal Scream.

Calling for the UK and US government to stand up for humanity and condemn the collective punishment of Palestinian people, the letter cites United Nations secretary general António Guterres, who said that Gaza has become "a graveyard for children."

It also points to the World Health Organisation's declaration that the level of death and suffering by over two million civilians caught up in this conflict is "hard to fathom."

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The diverse coalition of artists, musicians and performers are calling for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid into the area for "the many frightened, starving and wounded civilians trapped amongst the rubble," and are asking for a "meaningful diplomatic intervention from our political leaders to facilitate the release of hostages, an end to the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine and for lasting peace in the region."

Former Labour leader Corbyn founded the Peace and Justice project in 2021, and since its launch it has supported local, national and international campaigns, connecting people and organisations through events and discussions on vital issues.

Directed by Jeremy Corbyn and Pamela Fitzpatrick, its patrons include Yanis Varoufakis, Alicia Castro, Noam Chomsky, Chantal Mouffe, Evo Morales, Ronnie Kasrils, Daniele Obono, Lowkey and more.

Read the full open letter below.

“We the undersigned call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the bombardment of Palestine that has already taken the lives of over 10,000 innocent civilians, aid workers and journalists.

The United Nations secretary general António Guterres has said Gaza is becoming “a graveyard for children”, and whilst the devastation continues, the UK and US governments fail to stand up for humanity, condemn the collective punishment of the Palestinian people and advocate for peace instead of bloodshed.

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A ceasefire would allow for unhindered humanitarian aid in Gaza, where the World Health Organisation has said the level of death and suffering by the 2.2 million civilians caught up in this conflict is “hard to fathom”.

We are a diverse coalition of artists, musicians and performers calling for an end to the siege of Gaza, immediate humanitarian aid for the many frightened, starving and wounded civilians trapped amongst the rubble, and meaningful diplomatic intervention from our political leaders to facilitate the release of hostages, an end to the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine and for lasting peace in the region.”

If you are an artist, musician or performer you can email [email protected] to add your name to the list of signees

Tibor Heskett is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Twitter