The UK has decided to partially suspend arms sales to Israel, citing concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law. This suspension affects 30 out of 350 arms export licenses due to the risk of the equipment being used in serious breaches.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy clarified that the suspended licenses pertain to items that could be used in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, but do not include parts for F-35 fighter jets. The UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense under international law.
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Sacha Deshmukh, CEO of Amnesty International UK, criticized the UK’s partial suspension, arguing that the restrictions are inadequate and filled with loopholes.
He expressed concern that the decision implies the UK government acknowledges potential war crimes by Israel in Gaza, yet continues to risk complicity in these crimes by not fully halting arms sales.
