UK Suspends Arms Export Licences to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

Britain announced on Monday that it will immediately suspend 30 of its 350 arms export licences to Israel due to concerns that the equipment could be used in violation of international humanitarian law. Foreign Minister David Lammy made the statement, clarifying that the suspension does not constitute a blanket arms embargo but specifically targets licences that might be used in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Lammy emphasized the UK’s recognition of Israel’s right to self-defense but expressed deep concern over the methods employed by Israel, citing reports of civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure in Gaza. “We are deeply worried by the methods that Israel’s employed, and by reports of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure particularly,” Lammy told the House of Commons.

The suspension follows a review of arms sales to Israel that was promised after the Labour Party’s victory in the July elections. Lammy stated that the review revealed a clear risk that some UK arms exports to Israel might facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law. He stressed that this decision was not an indictment of Israel’s actions but a precautionary measure.

British arms exports to Israel represent less than 1% of the total arms Israel receives, and Lammy noted that the suspension would not significantly impact Israel’s security capabilities. Nonetheless, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized the move, describing it as disappointing and potentially problematic for the Israeli government’s stance against Hamas and its backers in Iran.

The conflict, which escalated after the October 7 Hamas attacks that killed 1,200 people, has led to severe casualties on both sides. Palestinian health authorities report over 40,700 deaths in Gaza due to the Israeli response. Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders are under investigation for alleged war crimes related to the conflict.

The British government has taken steps to limit the export of military equipment during the conflict, with the value of approved permits falling by more than 95% to a 13-year low. Most recent licences have been for non-lethal items such as body armour and military helmets.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, despite its landslide election victory, has faced pressure from lawmakers and constituencies with large Muslim populations to adopt a stronger stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The suspension of these licences reflects ongoing debates within the UK about its foreign policy and ethical responsibilities in conflict zones.