UK Suspends 30 Arms Export Licenses to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

The United Kingdom says it will suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, citing a “clear risk” that the weapons could be used in serious breaches of international humanitarian law in the ongoing Gaza conflict, Al Jazeera reported. Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed Parliament on Monday that the partial ban includes items “which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza” against Hamas but does not extend to parts for F-35 fighter jets.
Lammy clarified that the move is not a complete ban on arms exports to Israel and emphasized that the UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense, according to Al Jazeera. Lammy was quoted as saying to news agency ANI, “It is with regret that I inform the House [of Commons] today the assessment I have received leaves me unable to conclude anything other than that for certain UK arms exports to Israel, there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law.”
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that his country was “disappointed by a series of decisions” made by the British government, including the decision regarding defence exports. Katz described the move as sending a “very problematic message” to the Palestinian group Hamas and its supporters in Iran.
British exports amount to less than 1 per cent of the total arms Israel receives, and Lammy told parliament the suspension would not have a material impact on Israel’s security. According to Al Jazeera, shortly after the Labour Party won the general election in July, Lammy stated that he would update the review of arms sales to Britain’s ally Israel to ensure they were in compliance with international law.
Earlier on Sunday, large numbers of Israelis took to the streets, calling for a ceasefire and the return of captives held by Hamas. The protesters chanted “Now! Now!” and urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas to secure the return of the remaining captives.