British diplomat resigns in protest against continued arms sales to Israel

LONDON, Aug. 17 (YPA) – The British diplomat, Mark Smith, announced his resignation from his position in the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in protest against the Office’s complicity in the “war crimes” launched by “Israel” in the Gaza Strip since October 7.

Smith said in his resignation letter, “There is no justification for the continuation of British arms sales to Israel,” which is a widespread demand currently in many British political and popular circles and segments.

“It is sad that I have to resign after a long career in the diplomatic service, yet I can no longer carry out my duties, knowing that this ministry may be complicit in war crimes,” Smith explained.

He continued, “As a former penholder in evaluating arms export licenses in the Middle East and North Africa, I am an expert in the field of arms sales policy. Every day we witness clear and indubitable examples of war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza committed by the State of Israel.”

Smith noted that senior members of the Israeli government and military had expressed public genocidal intent. “They deliberately burn, destroy, and loot civilian property and publicly admit to raping and torturing prisoners.”

He confirmed that “more than half of Gaza’s homes have been damaged or destroyed, and more than 80% of commercial properties have been destroyed or damaged, and entire streets and universities have been demolished, and humanitarian aid is being prevented.”

Smith stressed that ministers claim that the UK has one of the most robust and transparent arms export licensing systems in the world, but this is the opposite of the truth.

YPA