The UK has suspended 30 arms export licenses to Israel amid concerns that these weapons could be used to violate international humanitarian law, a move that has significant implications for Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza.
This decision was announced by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, emphasizing London’s immediate suspension of these licenses out of a total of 350 due to the risk of serious violations of international law.
This pivot in policy reflects a growing international unease about Israel’s 11-month-long offensive in Gaza, which has claimed over 40,000 lives.
The UK’s stance is particularly noteworthy as other nations also reconsider their arms sales to Israel, with Italy and Spain having made similar announcements earlier this year.
Italy, as the third-largest military supplier to Israel, ceased sending more weapons post-October 7.
Despite Italy’s contribution being less than 1% of Israel’s total military imports, this move marks a significant stance by Rome in light of the ongoing conflict.
The Italian decision was followed by Spain, which not only stopped arms sales but also banned ships carrying arms to Israel from docking at its ports.
In March, Canada’s parliament voted to halt future military sales to Israel, with Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly affirming that arms shipments would cease.
Additionally, Belgium has restricted arms sales and campaigned for a European Union (EU)-wide ban.
Meanwhile, a Dutch court in February mandated the government to stop supplying F-35 fighter jet components to Israel due to the same humanitarian concerns.
These international responses indicate a shift in the global approach towards military support for Israel, as nations increasingly align their foreign policies with international humanitarian principles.
