The UK will impose a partial ban on arms exports to Israel due to the risk of violating humanitarian law, Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced today.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Lammy said he had received legal advice pointing to a ‘clear risk’ that some UK exports to Israel could be used to ‘commit or facilitate a serious breach of international humanitarian law’ in Gaza.
Around 30 out of a total of 350 export licences will now be suspended, including important components for military aircraft such as helicopters and drones, he said.
The minister emphasized that the decision ‘is not an arms embargo’, but a measure aimed at military equipment that could be used in the current conflict in Gaza.
‘The remaining [export] licences will continue to be granted. The action we are taking will not have a material impact on Israel's security,’ he emphasized.
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