The British government has decided to continue sending weapons to Israel despite mounting pressure to suspend exports over allegations of humanitarian violations in Gaza. Foreign Secretary David Cameron made the announcement during a visit to Washington, stating that the UK’s arms export control regime had been reviewed and the decision to maintain export licenses remained unchanged.
Cameron acknowledged concerns about humanitarian access in Gaza but emphasized that the latest assessment supported the decision to continue arms exports to Israel. The United States, the largest provider of weapons to Israel, has also refused to halt shipments despite growing criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict.
The decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident where seven aid workers, including three Britons and one US-Canadian dual citizen, were killed in an Israeli strike. The military claimed it was an accident, but the incident has raised further questions about the use of weapons in the region.
Over 600 British lawyers, including former Supreme Court judges, have warned that exporting weapons to Israel could breach international law. Despite this, the UK has approved over 487 million pounds ($614 million) in weapon sales to Israel since 2015.
Germany, another key weapons exporter to Israel, is also facing scrutiny for its arms sales. Nicaragua has taken the country to the International Court of Justice, accusing Berlin of violating the UN Genocide Convention. Germany has defended its support of Israel as a core aspect of its foreign policy.
The decision to continue sending weapons to Israel has sparked debate and criticism, with concerns about the impact on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.