Eighty years ago, the gates of Bergen-Belsen were opened—not to freedom, but to the unspeakable. It was not merely a camp that British troops encountered, but a kingdom of ashes. A place where time itself had collapsed under the weight of atrocity. What they found was the obscene residue of a humanity systematically dismantled: piles of corpses, men and women reduced to shadows, children robbed of both flesh and future.

Bergen-Belsen was not Auschwitz. It had no gas chambers. But let us not be seduced by taxonomy. Evil needs no architecture. It thrives equally in chaos and silence. Here was a camp where death took its time—where hunger was the executioner, typhus the silent assassin, and neglect the final insult. And it was British boots that stepped into this inferno, bearing witness not as conquerors, but as mourners.

Today, as memory flickers in the tempest of our present, we must ask: What have we done with this inheritance of horror?In what cruel irony do we now find ourselves—where, under the banners of “justice” and “liberation,” the descendants of those who screamed never again are once more accused, isolated, and reviled?

The Shoah is no longer denied—it is appropriated. Its dead are summoned not to warn, but to indict. The camps are not forgotten, they are contorted. And in this tragic masquerade, Israel becomes the accused in a theatre of hypocrisy whose script is written by the same ghosts we swore to silence.

Let us be clear: to remember Bergen-Belsen is to stand guard. It is to reject the new pieties that excuse hatred, reward terror, and adorn violence with the garb of virtue. It is to say, with clarity and without apology, that antisemitism—whether dressed in the colours of the Left or cloaked in revolutionary zeal—remains what it always was: a contagion of the spirit.

We do not honour the victims of Bergen-Belsen by wreaths alone. We honour them when we stand firm against the desecration of truth. When we insist that no cause, however fashionable, justifies the blood libels of old made new. When we recognise that history does not merely repeat—it returns in masks, with new names and slogans, but the same thirst for erasure.

To remember is not enough. One must resist.
Bergen-Belsen cries not for pity, but for vigilance.

We, at We Believe In Israel, are profoundly alarmed by Hamas's recent legal initiative to have its designation as a terrorist organisation removed in the United Kingdom. This unprecedented move not only seeks to revise established legal standards but also poses a serious threat to both regional and global security.​

Hamas, encompassing both its political and military factions, has a longstanding record of violent actions targeting civilians. The harrowing events of 7 October 2023, where over 1,200 Israeli civilians were killed and 250 taken hostage, highlight the group's commitment to terror. Founded with the explicit aim of establishing an Islamic state in historic Palestine, Hamas steadfastly denies Israel's right to exist, consistently employing violence to further its objectives. 

Legal Grounds for Terrorist Designation in the UK

Under the UK's Terrorism Act 2000, terrorism is defined as actions intended to influence the government or intimidate the public, undertaken for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial, or ideological cause. Such actions include serious violence against persons or property, endangering life, or creating a serious risk to public safety. Hamas's actions align unequivocally with these criteria, justifying its proscription under UK law. ​

Hamas's Legal Arguments and Their Rejection

Hamas's legal team, representing the group pro bono, presents several arguments for deproscription:​

• Freedom of Speech: They contend that the proscription infringes upon individuals' rights to freedom of expression and assembly, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights. ​
• Comparative Terrorism Definitions: The team argues that the UK's broad definition of terrorism could equally apply to state militaries, including those of Britain and Israel. ​
• Historical Context and International Obligations: Hamas claims that the UK's designation is rooted in historical support for Zionism and contradicts its international responsibilities to prevent genocide and uphold human rights. ​
• These arguments are fundamentally flawed. The proscription is based on Hamas's documented history of violence and its explicit goals, not on the actions of other entities. Moreover, the designation aligns with the UK's obligations under international law to combat terrorism and protect human rights.​

Removing Hamas from the UK's list of proscribed terrorist organisations would send a perilous message, potentially emboldening terrorist groups and undermining global counterterrorism efforts. It would also conflict with the UK's commitments under international law, including United Nations Security Council Resolutions that mandate the suppression of terrorist financing and the isolation of terrorist entities.​

We call upon the UK government to uphold its commitment to combating terrorism by firmly rejecting Hamas's legal challenge. Maintaining Hamas's proscribed status is essential to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and reaffirming the UK's dedication to fighting terrorism in all its manifestations.​

We Believe In Israel (WBII) understands and supports Israel’s right to manage its borders and protect its citizens from those whose actions may harm the state. The recent decision by Israel to deny entry to two UK Members of Parliament was made in accordance with this responsibility.

These individuals have been vocal in their support of campaigns aimed at boycotting Israel and have made accusations against the country that WBII believes are both unfounded and misleading. Their involvement in promoting sanctions against Israeli officials and their public statements have led the Israeli government to decide that their entry could pose a threat to national security and stability, particularly at a time when Israel is facing attacks from multiple fronts.

Just as the UK has the authority to regulate entry and protect its national interests, Israel similarly has the right to prevent the entry of individuals whose actions have been seen as potentially harmful to the state. This decision reflects Israel’s duty to safeguard its citizens and ensure that foreign influence does not exacerbate tensions or spread misinformation.

At WBII, we advocate for open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas, but we also recognise the importance of balancing this with the security and well-being of a nation, especially during times of heightened threats. Israel's actions in this case are consistent with its duty to protect its citizens, and we stand by its right to make decisions that reflect its national interests.

We encourage a balanced approach to this issue, recognising Israel’s right to defend itself while also fostering dialogue that is rooted in mutual respect and understanding.

Hamas' latest decision to delay the release of hostages—on the false pretext of Israeli "truce violations"—is yet another grotesque manipulation designed to prolong suffering, extract further concessions, and maintain its stranglehold over the Palestinian people.

Let us be absolutely clear: Hamas has never negotiated in good faith. It does not seek peace. It does not seek coexistence. It does not even seek a better future for Palestinians. Its only objective is the destruction of Israel, and it weaponises human lives—both Israeli and Palestinian—to achieve that goal.

This latest ploy is part of a well-worn strategy: agree to a deal, stall on implementation, fabricate excuses, and extract further concessions while the world watches in feigned helplessness. The Israeli hostages should never have been taken in the first place. Their continued captivity is not a political bargaining chip—it is a war crime.

The fact that Hamas can delay and dictate the fate of innocent civilians while the international community remains largely silent is a damning indictment of the moral failure that has allowed this terrorist group to operate with impunity.

We call on the UK government and the international community to unequivocally condemn Hamas’ hostage diplomacy and demand the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages—without negotiation, without delay, and without further enabling this cycle of blackmail.

There is no ceasefire without justice. There is no truce while hostages remain in underground cells. Hamas must not be rewarded for its barbarity. The world must stop indulging the myth that this terrorist regime can be reasoned with. Terrorism cannot be appeased—it must be defeated.

We Believe in Israel (WBII) condemns in the strongest possible terms the barbaric treatment of Israeli hostages at the hands of Hamas. The recent images of the three Israeli hostages, emaciated and broken after 490 days in captivity, are a chilling indictment of the world’s indifference and Hamas’s unrelenting cruelty.

These men—Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov—emerged from their ordeal looking like Holocaust survivors. Let us be absolutely clear: Hamas’s hostage-taking, its inhumane treatment of prisoners, and its continued violations of international law are not acts of resistance—they are war crimes.

Where was the international outcry? Where were the UN resolutions? Where were the so-called human rights organizations when these men were wasting away in darkness, deprived of medical care, tortured in ways we cannot yet fathom? The same voices that rush to condemn Israel at every turn have stood silent as Hamas brutalized civilians, violating every principle of human dignity.

This is not just an Israeli tragedy—it is a test for humanity itself.

WBII demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages still held by Hamas. We call upon the UK government, the international community, and all those who claim to stand for human rights to take action. Every day of inaction is a day complicit in Hamas’s barbarism.

To the families still waiting for their loved ones: We will not forget them. We will not allow the world to forget them.

Silence is not an option. Indifference is a disgrace. Action is a moral imperative.

We Believe in Israel acknowledges President Trump’s latest decision on Gaza and recognises that as we move forward in a post-October 7 reality, our collective priority must be to ensure that such abominable crimes are never repeated.This requires a clear, determined strategy to eradicate radical elements, strengthen regional security, and build the foundations for a stable, peaceful future for all people in the region.

The events of October 7 were not just an attack on Israel but an attack on the very principles of sovereignty, security, and coexistence. Ensuring that no nation is ever again subjected to such horrors means recognising that peace cannot take root while extremism thrives. The path forward must be shaped by lessons from the Abraham Accords, which demonstrated that cooperation, mutual respect, and economic integration can overcome historic divisions.

Now, more than ever, it is essential to work with regional partners to forge a sustainable future—one that is inclusive, that respects the sovereignty of all nations, and that promotes stability and growth as a shared interest rather than a zero-sum game. Any long-term solution for Gaza must be rooted in pragmatism, not ideology—one that empowers those seeking a better future while dismantling the radical forces that have brought only suffering and destruction.

As discussions about Gaza’s future unfold, Israel’s security must remain non-negotiable, and any governance structure must be one that rejects terrorism in all its forms. We Believe in Israel remains committed to advocating for policies that promote regional stability, safeguard Israel, and support a peaceful future built on real partnerships, not illusions.

We Believe in Israel (WBII) welcomes President Donald Trump’s decision to halt all United States funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This bold and principled move addresses longstanding concerns about the agency’s role in perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict rather than contributing to its resolution. WBII urges the United Kingdom to follow the United States’ lead by reassessing its financial support for UNRWA and redirecting aid towards initiatives that foster genuine peace and reconciliation.

UNRWA’s mandate, established in 1949, was intended as a temporary measure to provide relief for Palestinian refugees. Yet, more than seven decades later, the agency has entrenched a system that sustains refugee status across generations, undermining efforts to resolve the issue through resettlement and integration. Unlike the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which seeks durable solutions for refugees worldwide, UNRWA perpetuates a unique and discriminatory definition of refugee status. By extending this status indefinitely to descendants of the original 1948 refugees, UNRWA inflates refugee numbers and perpetuates a sense of grievance and victimhood, exacerbating tensions in the region.

WBII is deeply concerned about the misuse of international funding by UNRWA. The agency has faced allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and the promotion of hate and incitement within its educational programmes. UNRWA-run schools have been documented teaching curricula that glorify violence, demonise Israel, and deny Jewish historical and cultural ties to the land. Such practices do not contribute to peace but instead entrench hostility and mistrust, particularly among young Palestinians.

President Trump’s decision to halt US funding underscores the importance of accountability and effectiveness in international aid. The $360 million annual contribution from the United States accounted for nearly one-third of UNRWA’s budget, and its withdrawal sends a clear message: international aid must be contingent upon transparency, accountability, and alignment with the broader goal of peace. The UK, as a significant donor to UNRWA, has a moral and strategic responsibility to ensure that its aid promotes coexistence rather than division.

Instead of funding an agency that perpetuates the status quo, WBII calls on the UK government to invest in programmes that support resettlement, economic development, and educational reform for Palestinians. Such initiatives should focus on fostering coexistence, reducing dependency on aid, and promoting mutual understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. By reallocating funding to initiatives that prioritise peace-building and self-reliance, the UK can play a more constructive role in resolving this protracted conflict.

The UK has long been a champion of peace, human rights, and international law. By reassessing its support for UNRWA, the UK can demonstrate its commitment to these principles and encourage other nations to follow suit. WBII stands ready to support the UK government in exploring alternative approaches to aid that promote a genuine and sustainable peace in the Middle East.

President Trump’s decision is a watershed moment in the international community’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. WBII urges the UK to seize this opportunity to take a stand for accountability, transparency, and peace. Together, we can help build a future where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in security, dignity, and mutual recognition.

This week, we share a moment of relief and joy that has touched the hearts of many. After enduring 471 harrowing days of captivity under Hamas, three Israeli hostages—Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher—have been safely returned to their families. Their release follows the commencement of a temporary ceasefire, marking a crucial development in an otherwise prolonged and deeply challenging conflict.

The courage and resilience shown by these individuals during their ordeal are a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure in the face of unimaginable hardship. Their return provides a glimmer of hope and a reminder of the importance of sustained efforts to bring about peace and reconciliation in the region.

However, this moment of relief is layered with complexity. Alongside the release of the Israeli hostages, 90 Palestinian prisoners were also freed as part of the agreement. While we celebrate the reunification of families on both sides, we are reminded of the delicate balance required to navigate such exchanges. The pain and loss felt by so many underscore the pressing need for meaningful dialogue and constructive action to address the root causes of the conflict.

At WBII, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting all efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Dozens of families continue to wait in anguish, holding onto the hope of being reunited with their loved ones. Their suffering serves as a powerful reminder of why humanitarian efforts and advocacy must persist.

We also advocate for sustained humanitarian aid to alleviate the broader suffering caused by this conflict. In particular, we urge all parties involved to prioritise the protection of civilians, ensuring access to essential resources and support during this fragile ceasefire.

While this moment brings solace to many, it is also a call to action for us all. The power of diplomacy and the enduring strength of the human spirit offer a path forward, even in the most challenging of circumstances. 

At We Believe in Israel, we welcome the news of the ceasefire agreement and the impending release of hostages, which will bring immeasurable relief to many families who have endured an agonising wait. It is a moment of profound gratitude and solace, a reminder of the sanctity of life and the value of every soul safely returned.

Yet, even as we mark this moment, let us pause to reflect on those who will not return home. Their absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, a silence that echoes in the hearts of their loved ones and within the soul of our nation. We honour the sacrifices of the brave men and women who stood resolutely in defence of their people, their families, and the enduring principles upon which Israel was founded.

This ceasefire, while welcome, must also serve as a solemn reminder of the arduous road that lies ahead. The battle against those who seek to undermine Israel’s legitimacy, to rewrite history and distort the truth of October 7, remains unrelenting. Antizionism, veiled as activism, continues to pose a grave threat to the Jewish people’s right to self-determination and the very existence of the state of Israel.

The fight against this pervasive campaign of falsehood and hatred is not one we can shirk, nor one we will lose. It demands our steadfast commitment to justice and truth. It calls upon us to ensure that the memory of those who perished and the sacrifices of those who defended Israel will not be in vain.

As we welcome those hostages who will finally return to the embrace of their families, we recommit ourselves to the cause of truth and justice. We do so not only to honour their suffering but to pave the way for a future where peace is not an interlude between wars but an enduring reality. Together, we will stand firm, unyielding in our defence of Israel, our people, and the values that unite us.