Write to your MP

Why contact your MP?

Home demolitions are a systematic tool of displacement in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel destroys Palestinian homes built on land families have owned for generations, forcing people into homelessness while expanding illegal settlements on the same land.

The UK government, as a signatory to the Fourth Geneva Convention, has obligations to uphold international law. When you write to your MP, you’re demanding the UK fulfil those obligations and use its influence to stop these violations.

Your voice matters. MPs respond to constituent pressure — and sustained contact from constituents can shift policy.

The reality of home demolitions

Less than 1% of Palestinian building permit applications are approved in Greater Jerusalem. Families have no choice but to build without permission on their own land — then face demolition orders, fines and homelessness.

Meanwhile, between 230,000 and 250,000 Israeli settlers now live on land annexed to Greater Jerusalem in 1967, predominantly on land previously owned by Palestinians.

This isn’t about planning regulations. It’s about systematic displacement designed to make Palestinian life in the West Bank and East Jerusalem impossible.

A story from Al Walajah: Mahmoud’s home

Mahmoud’s story shows how the system works — and why we must challenge it.

Al Walajah is a small village 3 miles south of Jerusalem. After the 1948 war, the population fled and re-established their community on their agricultural land across the new armistice line. In 1967, Israel annexed part of Al Walajah into Greater Jerusalem Municipality while placing the remainder under Area C — full Israeli control.

Palestinian families in Al Walajah repeatedly apply for building permits. The Jerusalem Municipality refuses them, stating the land is a ‘Green Zone’ without an Urban Plan. Families are left with no option but to build without permission.

Mahmoud’s family had saved for years to build a home on land they’d owned for generations. In April 2016, as the house neared completion, 80 members of the Israeli Defence Force surrounded and destroyed it.

In 2017, Amos Trust and our partner Holy Land Trust raised funds to rebuild Mahmoud’s home. Thirty-five UK volunteers worked alongside the family and local builders. Shortly after completion, Mahmoud received another demolition order and paid a fine. The order eventually lapsed.

In May 2023, Mahmoud — now married to Inas with three children and expecting a fourth — received yet another demolition order. His family faced homelessness again.

Mahmoud’s story is not unique. It’s the reality for thousands of Palestinian families.

What to ask your MP

When you write to your MP about home demolitions, ask them to:

• raise the issue with the Foreign Secretary as a matter of urgency,
• call for specific demolition orders to be rescinded (if you’re writing about a current case),
• demand Israel abides by international law and stops home demolitions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem,
• push for UK government action to pressure Israel to implement a fair planning system in areas under its control,
• support sanctions or consequences for continued violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

Template letter

Use this template and adapt it with current information. Include personal connections if you’ve visited Palestine or know affected families.

[Your address]
[Date]

[Your MP’s name]
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA

Dear [your MP’s name] MP

Subject: Urgent action needed on Palestinian home demolitions

I am writing to urge you to raise the ongoing crisis of Palestinian home demolitions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem with the Foreign Secretary.

Home demolitions are a systematic tool of displacement. Israel destroys Palestinian homes built on land families have owned for generations, while expanding illegal settlements on that same land. Less than 1% of Palestinian building permit applications are approved in Greater Jerusalem, leaving families no option but to build without permission and face demolition.

[Include specific current case if applicable, or use general language:]

This is not about planning regulations — it’s about systematic displacement designed to make Palestinian life impossible under occupation.

The UK government, as a signatory to the Fourth Geneva Convention, has obligations to uphold international law. I urge you to press the Foreign Secretary to:

• demand Israel abides by international law and stops home demolitions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem,
• call for implementation of a fair planning system in areas under Israeli control,
• support consequences for continued violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

• [Include specific asks related to current cases if applicable]

I look forward to your response on what action you and the UK government will take.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

Finding your MP

Find your MP’s name and contact details at members.parliament.uk

You can write by email or letter. Both are effective — choose whichever you’re most comfortable with.

After you write

• follow up if you don’t receive a response within 2-3 weeks,
• share your MP’s response (or lack of response) on social media to keep pressure visible,
• keep writing — one letter is good, sustained contact is better,
• connect with others doing the same in your constituency.

Stay informed

Home demolition orders are issued regularly. Stay updated on current cases so you can write with timely, specific information.

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Your voice matters

Palestinians facing demolition need more than our sympathy — they need action. Write to your MP today. MPs respond to constituent pressure. When enough people demand action, policy shifts. Your letter is part of building that pressure.