The UK will suspend 30 of 350 arms export licences to Israel due to the risk that these weapons could be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law, Reuters reported, citing a statement by Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
“I regret to inform the House of Commons [the lower house of the British parliament – G.A.] that the assessment carried out does not allow us to conclude other than that there is a clear risk that certain arms transfers to Israel could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law,” – Lammy said, according to Voice of America.
The British Foreign Secretary said that London “recognizes Israel's need to defend itself against security threats, but we are deeply concerned by the methods Israel has used, particularly the reports of civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.”
David Lammy
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said the decision was disappointing and “sends a very problematic signal” to Hamas (an organization recognized as terrorist by the United States and several European countries) and its patrons in Iran.
The publication recalls that in July, the UN International Court of Justice concluded that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories violates international law. The court ruled that Israel must end its “illegal” occupation of these territories and the Gaza Strip as soon as possible.
Earlier, Kamala Harris, US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate, expressed her commitment to President Joe Biden's policy of strong support for Israel in an interview with CNN. She rejected calls from some Democrats to reconsider arms sales to the country amid the conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties.
Harris stressed that she favors a “strong Israel,” while also noting the need to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and ensure its implementation.
Her November election rival Donald Trump, speaking at the Republican National Convention in July, said the war triggered by the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel “never would have happened” if Trump had been in the White House at the time.
Prepared by: Sergey Daga