UK suspends some arms exports to Israel amid Gaza conflict

The UK is set to suspend certain arms sales to Israel, Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced. This decision follows a review of UK arms export licences, which identified a “clear risk” these arms might be used to breach international humanitarian law.

Out of 350 licences, approximately 30 will be suspended, Lammy clarified, emphasising “this is not a blanket ban or an arms embargo.” However, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticised the decision, saying it sends a problematic message to Hamas and Iran.

Lammy stated the government’s legal obligation to review export licences amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He informed the Commons that he could not conclude anything other than a clear risk that certain UK arms exports to Israel might be used to violate international humanitarian law.

The suspension includes components for military aircraft used in Gaza, such as helicopters and drones, and items that facilitate ground targeting. However, it does not cover parts for multinational F-35 fighter jets, which has raised concerns among opposition MPs and human rights organisations. The government argued including these parts would significantly affect the global F-35 fleet, with serious implications for international peace and security.

Although the UK does not directly supply Israel with weapons, it does grant export licences for British companies to sell arms to the country. Earlier in the year, civil servants requested an immediate halt to work on arms exports to Israel, fearing potential complicity in war crimes.

Lammy, addressing the Commons, stated that after raising concerns while in opposition, he launched a review upon taking office and committed to sharing its conclusions. He clarified that this decision does not imply Israel has broken humanitarian law, as the UK government cannot arbitrate on that matter.

He described the decision as a forward-looking evaluation, not a determination of innocence or guilt, and emphasised it does not prejudge future court determinations. Lammy added that the decision will remain under review and reiterated the UK’s support for Israel’s right to self-defence in accordance with international law.

The announcement elicited mixed reactions in the House. Green MP Ellie Chowns described the suspension as a significant step but questioned why many licences were exempt. She saw no justification for continuing to license F-35 fighter jets and urged the foreign secretary to reconsider suspending these licences. The Lib Dems expressed concern that the decision was based solely on the risk in Gaza and not the West Bank.

Conversely, DUP’s Sammy Wilson criticised the decision, saying the only beneficiaries would be Hamas terrorists. He labelled it a bad decision, attributing it to pressure from Labour MPs influenced by pro-Gaza protests.

The conflict began on 7 October when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 40,691 Palestinians have died, and 94,060 have been injured in Israel’s subsequent military offensive.

US President Joe Biden stated on Monday that a final hostage deal between Israel and Hamas is “very close,” but criticised Benjamin Netanyahu for not doing enough to secure an agreement. This adds to the pressure on the Israeli prime minister, who faced a general strike on Monday and mass protests over the weekend following the killing of six hostages in Gaza.