The United Kingdom (UK) announced on Monday that it would halt some arms sales to Israel after bodies of some hostages were recovered.
Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, announced this while making a statement to the House of Commons, adding that around 30 of roughly 350 exports to Israel would be suspended.
The exports include equipment intended for use in the war in Gaza, such as components for military jets, helicopters and drones and items which “facilitate ground targeting”, he said.
Mr Lammy said following independent legal advice, there exists a “clear risk” some UK exports to Israel could be used to commit a “serious violation of international humanitarian law” in Gaza.
He said Israel’s actions in Gaza “continue to lead to immense loss of civilian life, widespread destruction to civilian infrastructure and immense suffering”.
The Hamas-run health ministry says at least 40,786 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since 7 October – figures disputed by Israel.
Mr Lammy said the government had assessed that Israel “could reasonably do more to ensure life-saving food and medical supplies reach civilians in Gaza in light of the appalling humanitarian situation”.
He said the suspension of some exports was not “a blanket ban” or an “arms embargo”.
“A number” of exports which the government has assessed will not be used in the Israel-Hamas war will continue, added Mr Lammy.
He also said there was “no doubt” that UK “continues to support Israel’s right to self-defence”, and that the arms sales suspension was “not a determination of innocence or guilt”.
SaharaReporters
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