Britain Suspends Arms Exports to Israel Amid Humanitarian Concerns

Britain has suspended 30 out of 350 licenses for arms exports to Israel, citing a “clear danger” that they could be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the partial ban in parliament, stating that it includes items that “could be used in the current conflict in Gaza,” such as components for fighter planes, helicopters, and drones.

Lammy emphasized that the UK is reviewing arms export licenses to Israel, adding that “our assessment is unable to conclude that certain arms exports to Israel pose a real risk of being used to violate humanitarian law.”

The license suspension does not include components of the F-35 aircraft and is not a comprehensive arms embargo. Lammy stressed that the measure “will not have a real impact on Israel’s security… London continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense under international law.”

Lammy also pledged to “continue to work with Israel to counter the Iranian threat.” The UK’s decision comes after the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution banning arms exports to Israel in May.

Israel’s foreign ministry responded by saying that the UN Human Rights Council adopted an anti-Israel resolution, which “condemned Israel for the Gaza war, but did not mention Hamas or its crimes.”

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated that “the whole world is entering a dark phase as the people of Gaza mourn today the 40,000 dead Palestinians.”

Arms Sales from Serbia to Israel Increase Despite International Calls for Freeze

Israeli newspaper Haaretz analyzed data revealing a significant increase in arms sales from Serbia to Israel, despite international calls for a freeze on arms exports.

According to the data, Serbia has significantly increased its military sales to Israel, with 15 flights within the month.

Conflict in Gaza Strip

The fighting in the Gaza Strip began after an unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, which killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, including women and children.

In response to the attack, Israel vowed to “eliminate the movement,” and according to Hamas’ health ministry, the ground operation killed nearly 40,000 people, most of them women and children.