UK suspends 30 of 350 arms exports licenses to 'Israel'
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The Israeli occupation has been accused numerous times of using weapons in ways that violate international humanitarian law in Gaza.
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Pro-Palestine protesters take part at a demonstration on Al Quds Day, in London, Friday, April 5, 2024 (Military Media)
The British government has announced the immediate suspension of 30 out of its 350 arms export licenses with the Israeli occupation, citing concerns that the equipment might be used in ways that violate international humanitarian law, Foreign Minister David Lammy announced after a review of arms sales to the occupying regime, particularly in the context of the ongoing war on Gaza.
Lammy emphasized that this suspension does not amount to a blanket ban or an arms embargo but is a targeted measure. "It is with regret that I inform the House of Commons today that the assessment I have received leaves me unable to conclude anything other than that for certain UK arms exports to Israel, there exists a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law," Lammy stated.
The suspended licenses involve components for military aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones, which could potentially be used in the ongoing genocide. Despite this action, Lammy assured that British arms exports constitute less than 1% of the total arms the Israeli occupation receives, and the suspension is unlikely to have a significant impact in light of the war.
Lammy reiterated the UK's support for the Israeli occupation's "right to defend itself" provided it aligns with international law. Unlike the United States, the UK does not provide arms directly to the Israeli occupation but issues licenses for companies to sell weapons.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed disappointment over the UK's decision. He claimed that the suspension sends a "very problematic message" to Hamas and other Resistance movements.
This move comes shortly after the Labour Party's electoral victory in July, during which Lammy pledged to review arms sales to ensure they adhered to international law.
Labour makes serious pledges
David Lammy, the UK's newly appointed foreign secretary, declared just two weeks after the country's elections this year that the United Kingdom will resume its funding UNRWA, the United Nations organization that looks after Palestinian refugees, following it was baselessly accused by "Israel" of its members partaking in Operation al-Aqsa Flood.
The government also declared a week later that it was abandoning its earlier preparations to contest the International Criminal Court's authority to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Security Minister Yoav Gallant due to war crimes by "Israel".
However, the British government has yet to completely commit to the more significant shift that the public is calling for, which is the cessation of arms shipments to "Israel".
nable examples of War Crimes and breaches of International Humanitarian Law in Gaza perpetrated by the State of Israel”.
He added, “There is no justification for the UK’s continued arms sales to Israel, yet somehow it continues. I have raised this at every level in the organization … As a fully cleared officer raising serious concerns of illegality in this Department, to be disregarded in this way is deeply troubling. It is my duty as a public servant to raise this.”
A July YouGov poll found that 58% of Brits are in favor of stopping military supplies to "Israel" during the war on Gaza, with only 18% against. Even more people (78%) are in favor of an immediate ceasefire.
