Britain suspends Israel arms licences over Gaza war with Foreign Secretary David Lammy saying there is a 'clear risk' equipment could be used in breach of international law
Britain has suspended a swathe of licences for military equipment destined for Israel over fears it could be used to break international law in Gaza.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the Commons this afternoon that the government is halting 30 out of around 350 licences in light of new legal advice.
The action comes after widespread calls from pro-Palestinian groups for sales to the Netanyahu regime to be halted to try to prevent more bloodshed in Gaza.
Mr Lammy told the Commons that the change would affect 'important components which go into military aircraft, including fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones, as well as items which facilitate ground targeting'.
'Facing a conflict such as this, it is this Government's legal duty to review export licences,' he said.
'It is with regret that I inform the House 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.'
But he stressed that the action taken under the Export Control Act did not amount to an 'arms embargo' or a blanket sales ban.
Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz said in a statement that Israel was 'disappointed by a series of decisions' made by the British government, including the decision regarding defense exports.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13805271/Britain-suspends-Israel-arms-licences-Gaza-war-David-Lammy.html
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