Amid escalating tensions in the Gaza conflict, Britain's Foreign Secretary addressed concerns regarding halting arms exports to Israel. He emphasized that ceasing arms supplies to Israel would not be a prudent decision and could potentially bolster Hamas, the militant group in control of Gaza.
Responding to comparisons with the U.S., the Foreign Secretary highlighted that the U.K. only provides a minimal amount of Israel's weapons, less than 1% to be precise. He clarified that the U.K. operates on a licensing system, allowing for the closure of licenses in cases where there is a perceived risk of serious international human rights violations.
The U.S. President recently stated that the U.S. would cease supplying weapons to Israel if an all-out assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah were to occur. In contrast, the U.K. government expressed reservations about supporting a major offensive in Rafah without a comprehensive plan to safeguard civilians.
While there have been calls from opposition parties and human rights organizations to halt British arms sales in the event of an offensive in Rafah, the Foreign Secretary emphasized the need for a cautious approach. He underscored that the U.K. does not advocate for deploying troops on the ground in Gaza for humanitarian aid delivery, opting instead for contractor-led operations.
Concerns have been raised about the use of British-made components in Israeli weaponry, particularly in F-35 stealth combat aircraft. The Campaign Against Arms Trade group estimates that U.K. arms exports to Israel have exceeded official government figures, with British industry playing a significant role in supplying components for Israeli military equipment.
In light of the ongoing conflict, the U.K. government is evaluating its stance on arms exports and humanitarian aid delivery to the region. The Foreign Secretary reiterated the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and ensuring the protection of civilians in conflict zones.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit AP's coverage.
