The United Kingdom has announced the suspension of 30 arms export licences to Israel after a government review raised concerns about potential breaches of international humanitarian law in the use of these weapons in Gaza.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy clarified that the move is not a blanket ban or a full arms embargo, with only 30 out of 350 licences being affected. The decision comes after the Labour Party, following its July election victory, committed to reviewing arms sales to ensure compliance with international law.
Lammy expressed his regret while addressing the House of Commons, stating, “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.”
Israel has been accused of genocide in Gaza, where an almost 11-month bombing campaign has resulted in the deaths of nearly 41,000 Palestinians and injuries to over 94,200 others. The devastation in Gaza has been widespread, with universities destroyed, schools heavily damaged, and more than 90% of the population internally displaced.