The United States has approved the sale of $20 billion worth of weapons to Israel, increasing pressure on the United Kingdom to halt arms sales to the country. Reports suggest that the UK may soon restrict some arms sales after issuing over 100 export licenses for weapons to Israel between October 7 and May. Despite calls from activists to cease arms sales to Israel due to the high number of casualties in Gaza, the previous Conservative government decided to continue these exports citing no violation of International Humanitarian Law.
The new Labour government, which recently came to power, has signaled a different stance on arms exports to Israel. There are expectations that the UK might partially suspend arms sales to Israel soon. The UK does not provide military aid to Israel but issues licenses for British companies to sell weapons. It was revealed that the UK sold various weapons including explosive devices, assault rifles, and components for F-35 fighter jets to Israel.
Campaigners and legal experts have raised concerns about the UK’s continued arms exports to Israel, arguing that they violate international law. Following an attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza, legal experts and advocacy groups have called for an immediate suspension of arms sales. The International Court of Justice has also emphasized that member states should prevent trade or investment assisting in the maintenance of illegal situations created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The new Labour government has announced the resumption of funding to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees, signaling a shift in policies towards Gaza. Despite reluctance from the foreign secretary to implement a full ban on weapons sales to Israel, campaigners stress the need for an immediate arms embargo, particularly on components for F-35 jets.
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