Three former Supreme Court justices, along with over 600 members of the British legal community, are urging the UK government to halt arms sales to Israel.
They argue that such sales could implicate Britain in potential genocide in Gaza. This call aligns with increasing demands from opposition politicians for a policy shift regarding British arms exports.
The plea, articulated in a 17-page letter, comes amidst mounting political pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak following the deaths of seven aid workers, including three British citizens, in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
The legal professionals emphasized that providing military support to Israel might lead to violations of International Humanitarian Law and make the UK complicit in genocide, citing principles of customary international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently refuted these allegations, labeling them as “outrageous” and affirming Israel’s commitment to international law.
Former Supreme Court Justice Jonathan Sumption expressed concerns that the British government may have overlooked its responsibility to prevent genocide.
Despite the UK being a relatively minor arms supplier to Israel, with Israeli exports accounting for about 0.4% of Britain’s global defense sales in 2022, the legal experts underscored the urgency of their appeal.
They referenced a January ruling by the International Court of Justice, urging Israel to refrain from actions potentially violating the Genocide Convention, and highlighted growing concerns about famine in Gaza.
Sunak, however, has resisted immediate calls to cease weapons sales, emphasizing the UK’s stringent licensing regime. Yet, the recent fatalities have intensified international scrutiny on Israel as the conflict in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ actions, continues unabated.
With over 32,000 Palestinian casualties reported by Gaza’s health ministry, Israel’s military has expressed regret over the airstrikes and pledged an independent inquiry amid ongoing international pressure.
