Dozens of Jewish faith leaders have said that they cannot support Israel in its war in Gaza.

Thirty-six members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews signed an open letter that rebuked Israel’s military response to the Oct 7 attacks by Hamas.

The board is the UK’s largest Jewish community organisation and has more than 300 members who represent a wide range of political views.

Last year, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, and accused him of war crimes, although critics claimed this was based on “implausible” claims.

In the letter, published in the Financial Times on Wednesday, the 36 members said that they could not “turn a blind eye” to civilian casualties in Palestine.

They said: “We write as representatives of the British Jewish community, out of love for Israel and deep concern for its future.

“The inclination to avert our eyes is strong, as what is happening is unbearable, but our Jewish values compel us to stand up and to speak out.”