- UK suspends some arms exports to Israel amid Gaza conflict concerns
- Decision follows a review finding a “clear risk” of violating humanitarian law
- Suspension excludes F-35 fighter components, raising concerns among critics
David Lammy stated that the restriction was not an arms embargo, but there was a “clear risk” that some UK weapons would be used in violation of international law.
The UK will halt some arms sales to Israel, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said.
Mr Lammy stated that the decision was made following an examination of export licences for UK guns, which discovered a “clear risk” that they may be used to commit “a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
Mr Lammy stated that around 30 of 350 licenses would be stopped, emphasising that “this is not a blanket ban, this is not an arms embargo.
However, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said the move “sends a very problematic message” to Hamas and its supporter Iran.
Mr Lammy said the government was legally obligated to assess Britain’s export licences amid the Gaza conflict.
Explaining his decision, he told the Commons: It is with regret that I inform the House today that the assessment I have received leaves me unable to conclude anything other than that certain UK arms exports to Israel pose a clear risk of being used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
The suspension will cover components for military aircraft used in Gaza, including helicopters and drones, as well as goods that aid in ground targeting.
However, it will not include parts for global F-35 combat fighters, which has alarmed opposition MPs and human rights organisations.
According to the administration, doing so would have a “significant effect on the global F-35 fleet with serious implications for international peace and security”.
The United Kingdom does not actively provide Israel with weapons, but it does grant export licenses for British corporations to sell armaments to the country.
Earlier this year, under the previous Tory government, federal servants in charge of arms deliveries to Israel requested to “cease work immediately” due to concerns that they could be implicated in war crimes.
“Not a determination of innocence or guilt.”
Mr Lammy told the Commons that after voicing his concerns while in opposition, he promptly began a review upon taking office and “committed to sharing the review’s conclusions.
He stated that the conclusion does not imply that Israel has violated humanitarian law, as the UK government “have not and could not” arbitrate on the matter.
He stated that this is a forward-looking assessment, not a declaration of innocence or guilt, and it does not prejudge any future decisions made by the competent courts.
He said that the decision would be reviewed and that “the UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defence in accordance with international law.
‘Vital questions remain unanswered.’
The announcement elicited varied reactions from across the House, with some arguing that the ban should be expanded and others saying there should be none.
Green MP Ellie Chowns said the suspension is a “welcome and significant step,” but it leaves important questions unanswered, including why so many licences are excluded.
She claimed “no justification” for continuing to license F-35 fighter fighters.
She stated that there is an ongoing and clear risk, and we encourage the foreign secretary to reconsider and suspend these permits.
The Lib Dems said they would scrutinise the export permits that the government has not suspended and that they are “concerned that the decision is made solely on the risk of use in Gaza and not the West Bank.
‘We shall regret our decision.’
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But on the opposite end of the political spectrum, the DUP’s Sammy Wilson claimed the only people who would be thrilled by this decision “will be the Hamas terrorists”.
“This is a horrible choice. It’s a choice we’ll come to regret, and I believe it was made as a consequence of… pressure that Labour MPs found in their seats as a result of pro-Gaza protests,” he said.
According to Israeli estimates, the war began when the Palestinian militant group Hamas struck Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and seizing approximately 250 hostages.
Israel’s following military onslaught in Gaza has killed at least 40,691 Palestinians and injured 94,060, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry, which stated on Saturday.
US President Joe Biden stated on Monday that Israel and Hamas are “very close” to reaching an agreement but that Benjamin Netanyahu is not doing enough to secure it.
It adds to the enormous strain on Israel’s prime minister, who faced a national strike on Monday over the inability to secure a hostage solution, as well as significant protests over the weekend following the deaths of six of those held captive in Gaza.
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