Bayan News – The UK government announced on Monday (September 2) that it has suspended 30 out of a total of 350 arms export licenses to Israel.
According to Al Arabiya, the UK cited “a clear risk” that these weapons could be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law as the reason for this suspension.
David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, stated in Parliament that this partial suspension includes items such as “components for fighter jets, helicopters, and drones” that “may be used in the current conflict in Gaza.”
Lammy mentioned that “we are reviewing the arms export licenses to Israel,” adding, “Our assessment shows that some arms exports to Israel may pose a real risk of being used in violations of international humanitarian law.”
On the other hand, Reuters reported that the UK Foreign Secretary emphasized that the suspension of licenses does not include components for “F-35” fighter jets and is not a blanket ban on arms exports.
Lammy also emphasized that “this action will not have a significant impact on Israel’s security; London will continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law.” He added, “There is no equivalence between Hamas terrorists and the democratic government of Israel.”
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