Over 100 Mena experts sign open letter urging immediate ceasefire

More than 100 Middle East experts have signed an open letter urging an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the armed Palestinian groups in Gaza, led by Hamas.

The letter, which currently has 133 signatories, was addressed to the governments of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the European Union, and said the West's backing of Israel rather than pushing for de-escalation will lead to increased conflict in the long term.

"The lack of strategic focus and failure to pressure collective adherence to international law, denigrates the West’s global moral standing," the letter says.

"It isolates it from swathes of the world, deepening divisions at a time of great power competition and shared challenges to our climate, collective security, and the world economy."