Despite mounting pressure and calls for a halt, British Foreign Minister David Cameron reaffirmed the UK’s decision to continue arms sales to Israel. The announcement came after a review of legal advice, maintaining the current export licenses despite ongoing conflict in Gaza.
At a press conference alongside U.S. counterpart Antony Blinken, Cameron addressed concerns regarding the UK’s position on arms exports to Israel.
Despite calls from opposition parties and legal professionals to revoke licenses, Cameron emphasized the importance of adhering to legal advice and humanitarian considerations.
The decision faced criticism, with some labeling it a missed opportunity to distance the UK from potential complicity in Israeli actions in Gaza.
Amnesty International UK’s crisis response manager, Kristyan Benedict, expressed disappointment, citing concerns over Israeli war crimes and apartheid.
Cameron defended the government’s stance, stating that export licenses would remain open and continue based on the overall judgment.
He highlighted the government’s “grave concerns” regarding humanitarian access in Gaza but did not disclose the legal advice guiding the decision.
Last week, three former senior UK judges joined over 600 members of the British legal profession in calling for a halt to arms sales to Israel. The concern was rooted in the fear of British complicity in Gaza’s crisis, including potential genocide allegations.
Israel has denied accusations of war crimes or genocide in its Gaza assault and rejected claims of apartheid in its treatment of Palestinians.
Despite international pressure and calls for action, the UK government stands firm on its decision to maintain arms sales to Israel.
