UK government suspending 30 arms export licences to Israel
The UK government says it has ‘taken the decision that the UK will suspend arms export licences to Israel for use in military operations in Gaza, following a review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law.’
It said, ‘The UK’s robust export licensing criteria states that the Government will not issue export licences if the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law. The suspension will not change the UK’s steadfast support for Israel’s security, and the decision will be kept under review.’
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said, ‘Facing a conflict such as this, it is this Government’s legal duty to review export licences.
‘It is with regret that I inform the House today, the assessment I have received finds 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. Therefore today we are announcing the suspension of around 30 export licences to Israel as required under the Export Controls frameworks.
‘The UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defence in accordance with international law.’
