Why has the UK suspended some of its arms export licences with Israel?
Soon after the Labour Party won the UK election in July 2024 British Foreign Minster David Lammy said he would review arms sales to Israel to ensure these complied with international law
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"The assessment I have received leaves me unable to conclude anything other than that for certain UK arms exports to Israel, there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law" Mr Lammy said
A paper released by the UK government on the decision said that the level of aid in Gaza remained "insufficient" and that "Israel could reasonably do more to facilitate humanitarian access and distribution"
"For example, Israel should establish a speedier and more effective system for deconflicting humanitarian aid from military operations" the paper reads It also noted that there had been "credible claims of the mistreatment of detainees"
"The concerns regarding Israel's compliance and commitment in the areas of humanitarian relief and treatment of detainees give cause for concern about its attitude and approach to the conduct of hostilities"
However the paper acknowledged that it was not possible to reach a "determinative judgement" about Israel's conduct of hostilities, partly due to the "opaque and contested information environment in Gaza" and challenges with accessing all the necessary information from Israel -- Inconclusive?Little to No evidence?Yet??....
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Mr Lammy said the decision was "a forward-looking evaluation, not a determination of innocence or guilt" on Israel's part
[Unsurprisingly] Israeli leaders have dismissed allegations of war crimes
