UK suspends 30 arms export licenses to Israel

The UK government has decided to immediately suspend 30 arms export licences to Israel after finding a “clear risk” that British arms could be used to commit serious breaches of humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip.

Protest against arms supplies to Israel. Photo: FRANCE 24

The suspension, announced on September 2 (local time), covers parts for military aircraft - including fighter jets, helicopters and drones. However, the decision only affects a portion of the 350 licenses currently in place and does not include parts for the advanced F-35 stealth fighter, unless the British-supplied parts are specifically intended for fighter jets that Israel exclusively uses.

The Foreign Office said the two-month review had raised concerns about Israel’s conduct in the Gaza conflict. While no firm conclusions were drawn about whether London’s arms export licences contributed to the destruction in the Palestinian territories, it stressed the scale of the destruction and the number of civilian deaths were of grave concern.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Photo: CNBC

Speaking to the British Parliament when announcing the decision, Foreign Secretary David Lammy reiterated London's support for "Israel's right to self-defence under international law", stressing that the suspension only concerned items that could be used in the conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas in Gaza. According to the Guardian, the suspension is likely to cause tension with the US government.

According to CNBC, this decision was made in the context of continuing protests in Israel, with the aim of forcing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to reach a hostage deal with Hamas.

Responding to the British Government's decision, the Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the same day, quoting Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressing "disappointment", but still hoping that "the deep friendship between Britain and Israel... will continue in the future".

KHANH HUNG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/anh-dinh-chi-30-giay-phep-xuat-khau-vu-khi-sang-israel-post756941.html