A group of Israeli intelligence officers have launched a unprecedented campaign to end spying on Palestinians living under occupation.

In a letter published in Israel’s biggest selling newspaper, the group makes clear they work for Unit 8200 which also monitors enemy Arab states and Iran.

The 43 signatories include veteran and active soldiers and they say secret surveillance operations only serve to “deepen military rule in the occupied territories”.

None of their names were published, in apparent keeping with their non-disclosure commitments.

Israel requires court authorisation to spy on its own citizens but are freer when it comes to Palestinians.

There has been no response from the Israeli government but the military has dismissed it as a publicity stunt by a small minority.