Visits amidst Diplomatic Strain

Palestinian President Mahmoud abbas, age 88, arrived in London on Sunday evening, September 8, 2024, for a three-day visit. According to reports, abbas intends to use negotiations with Labour Party leader Keir Starmer to advocate for an end to what he describes as “aggression, destruction and starvation of the Palestinian people.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to arrive in the UK on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, for an official visit, as announced by his office. It remains unclear whether Herzog will meet with Keir Starmer.

UK-Israel Relations Under Pressure

Relations between the United Kingdom and israel are reportedly becoming increasingly strained due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.The UK has recently suspended some exports of weapons to Israel as reported by Reuters. Moreover, the UK has decided not to invite Israeli representatives to the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) arms show, a major British event beginning on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 according to The Guardian.

background: UK Arms Exports to Israel

The UK has been a significant supplier of arms to Israel, though the exact figures are subject to change and debate. Here’s a breakdown of recent UK arms export licenses to Israel:

Source: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Arms Transfers Database

The suspension of some arms exports reflects growing concerns within the UK government and public regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the potential use of British-supplied weapons in the conflict.