Cameron believes that a UK ban on selling arms to Israel would empower Hamas

In a recent interview with the BBC, the UK foreign secretary expressed concerns over the potential impact of a ban on selling arms to Israel. Lord Cameron stated that such a ban would only serve to strengthen Hamas, as the UK currently supplies just 1% of Israel’s weapons. He emphasized the need for Israel to do more to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

The discussion comes in the wake of US President Joe Biden’s statement that the US would not supply weapons if Israel proceeded with a planned invasion of Rafah, a city in Gaza where thousands have sought refuge. Despite warnings from allies about the potential for civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis, Israel has indicated its intention to move forward with the operation to eliminate Hamas battalions in Rafah.

Lord Cameron stressed the importance of focusing on getting humanitarian aid into Gaza and avoiding actions that could inadvertently empower Hamas. He highlighted the differences in approach between the UK and the US when it comes to arms sales, noting that the UK grants licenses to weapons companies based on legal advice, while the US engages in government-to-government deals.

As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the debate over arms sales to Israel remains a contentious issue, with calls for transparency and accountability from both government officials and opposition members. The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with concerns about the potential for further violence and humanitarian crises looming large.