Rights group calls on UK not to resume arms exports to Israel
The rights organization described reports that the UK may lift restrictions on arms sales as “deeply troubling.” In a statement, it emphasized that temporary ceasefires or diplomatic rhetoric do not change the situation on the ground: “Let’s not be fooled by talk of ‘ceasefires’ or ‘peace. Israel’s genocide in Gaza has not stopped. Killings have continued.” The group added that the blockade and systemic discrimination against Palestinians remain in place.
The comments followed remarks by UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle, made during an interview at the Jewish Labour Movement annual conference in London, and published on Monday. Kyle indicated that paused UK arms export licenses to Israel could be “unblocked” after Phase Two of the ceasefire arrangement is concluded, tying potential resumption to progress in peace talks. He also said he would revisit UK-Israel trade discussions once he sees “progress with peace.”
Amnesty UK highlighted that the UK had only partially suspended arms exports to Israel in September 2024, after reviewing 30 of 350 licenses and identifying a “clear risk” that some exports could facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law. The organization also noted that parts for F-35 fighter jets continued to be supplied, despite their reported use in ongoing attacks against Palestinians.
The group criticized framing the lifting of the suspension around trade deals rather than legal obligations, calling it “highly problematic yet painfully telling about this Government’s real priorities.”
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