Pressure is increasing on British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to halt the sale of arms to Israel in the wake of a deadly attack on a convoy of aid workers in Gaza. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of seven aid workers, including three British citizens, prompting calls for a suspension of arms sales to Israel.
The UK government is currently awaiting legal advice on the legality of selling arms to Israel and whether it breaches international law. A leaked recording revealed concerns from UK Parliament's Foreign Affairs Select Committee chair, Alicia Kearns, who believes that the government has received advice indicating that Israel's actions are illegal but has not made it public.
Over 600 lawyers, legal academics, and former members of the British judiciary have urged Sunak to take action to prevent UK complicity in potential violations of international law, including the Genocide convention. The opposition parties have also called for the suspension of arms sales to Israel pending legal advice.
Sunak has expressed his dismay over the killing of aid workers in Gaza and has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. While the UK's defense sales to Israel are relatively small compared to other countries, the total value of licensed arms sales exceeds $725 million.
Suspending arms sales to Israel would be a significant diplomatic move by the UK, setting it apart from some of its allies. However, such a decision could pose political challenges for Sunak within his own government and party.
The family of one of the aid workers killed in the attack has criticized the UK's arms sales to Israel, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice. The situation remains complex as the government navigates legal considerations, diplomatic relations, and domestic political dynamics.
