"I refuse to stand by and watch Palestinian and Israeli civilians pay the price for political failure. Humanity must be shown to those caught up in this violence and humanitarian catastrophe. Every life matters equally, and we will not be divided on this.

"You must do everything in your power to push for an immediate ceasefire, to allow humanitarian aid for people facing intolerable suffering. The siege of Gaza must be stopped, and water, food and fuel allowed in. We ask you to work to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.

"A path to peace and justice for all, that includes a fair future for both Palestinian and Israeli people, is the only way forward. Your government and other world leaders must work towards a de-escalation of violence now."

It is easy to feel helpless as we watch the horror unfold in the news. Both Palestinian and Israeli civilians have faced appalling violence, and continue to pay the price for the failure of leaders to resolve a conflict which has led to the longest occupation in modern history.

The terrifying escalation of violence since 7 October has already seen thousands of people killed. Many Palestinians have been forced to leave their homes, following the Israeli government’s evacuation order, and are living in severely overcrowded homes.

The conditions are dreadful and rapidly deteriorating. Our colleagues in Gaza — when they are able to get through to us — are telling us that food, water, fuel and electricity is running out.

But now it’s time to speak out and say that every life — Palestinian and Israeli — should be valued and treated with humanity. And that we refuse to be divided in our call for lasting peace and justice. We are calling on our government to hear us and act.

So please join us as we call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and end to the blockade that is preventing Gaza’s civilians from accessing food, fuel and water and a path to real and lasting peace for Palestinian and Israeli people.

As well as signing this petition, please donate what you can to our Gaza Appeal to help our teams respond to help the people of Gaza as soon as it’s safe.