UK Government Announces Partial Suspension Of Arms Export Licenses To Israel

The UK government announced on Monday that it will suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns over a “clear risk” that the equipment could be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed Parliament that the partial suspension targets items that could be used in the ongoing conflict in Gaza against Hamas. However, the suspension does not include parts for F-35 fighter jets.

While the UK is not imposing a full arms embargo or making any judgments about potential international court rulings, Lammy emphasized that the government has a legal duty to reassess all export licenses.

The suspended licenses include components for military aircraft, helicopters, drones, and targeting equipment. The decision was influenced by concerns over the lack of food and medicine reaching Gaza and credible claims of mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners, rather than a definitive conclusion about Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law.