Edited by Umar-Mark Victor
Source; The New York Times
A fighter jet flies across a dark blue sky, leaving a long contrail, flying above Sderot, Israel, in October.In a significant move, the British government has announced the suspension of certain arms exports to Israel, citing concerns over humanitarian law violations in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This decision marks a notable shift in Britain's stance on the issue, as it had previously maintained a more neutral position.
The suspension, announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, affects 30 out of 350 export licenses, including components for military aircraft. This move is not a blanket ban or an arms embargo, but rather a targeted measure aimed at preventing potential humanitarian law breaches.
The Reasoning Behind the Decision
The decision follows a legal review, which concluded that there is a "clear risk" that the weapons could be used in a way that would breach humanitarian law. This assessment was based on concerns over Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza, particularly with regards to civilian casualties.
Britain's Arms Trade with Israel
Britain's arms trade with Israel is relatively small compared to that of the United States, totaling around £42 million (approximately $55 million) in 2022. The exports include parts for military aircraft, assault rifles, and explosive devices.
A Departure from the US Stance
This decision sets Britain apart from its ally, the United States, which has rejected calls to suspend arms shipments to Israel despite similar concerns over humanitarian law violations. The Biden administration has maintained its support for Israel, providing $3.8 billion in annual military aid under a 10-year agreement.
Escalating Pressure on Israel
The suspension marks an escalation in British pressure on Israel to address concerns over civilian deaths in its campaign against Hamas militants in Gaza. Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, including women and children, according to the Gazan health ministry.
The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has taken a more critical stance on Israel's actions in Gaza compared to its predecessor. In July, the government dropped its objections to the International Criminal Court's pursuit of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The British government had faced growing pressure from within to suspend arms sales to Israel. In April, a group of over 600 lawyers and retired judges sent a letter to the government, arguing that the sales violated international law.
Reactions from Israel
Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, expressed disappointment and concern over Britain's decision, citing the need for Israel to defend itself against multiple threats, including the Lebanese militia Hezbollah.
A Delicate Balance
For Prime Minister Starmer, the announcement may help alleviate tensions within his party, which has been divided over the issue. However, the move may also be seen as a compromise, aiming to maintain coherence within the party while avoiding a more drastic stance.
Britain's decision to suspend certain arms exports to Israel marks a significant shift in its stance on the conflict in Gaza. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of this issue, it remains to be seen how this move will impact the situation on the ground.
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