UK suspends arms exports to “Israel”

WORLD, Sept. 05 (YPA) – Britain has joined a list of countries that have suspended or restricted arms exports to “Israel” in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and concerns that these weapons might be used in violations of international humanitarian law.

The UK’s decision followed a review of arms licenses to “Israel” requested by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy shortly after he took office in early July.

Although Britain constitutes only a small portion of arms sales to Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the decision, stating, “With or without British weapons, we will win this war.”

Here are the prominent countries that have suspended or restricted arms exports to Israel, according to the Washington Post:

UK

Britain announced on Monday that it will immediately suspend approximately 30 out of about 350 licenses for arms exports to “Israel”.

These include components used in military aircraft, helicopters, drones, and ground-targeting elements.

The British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the decision to limit licenses was due to concerns that military equipment might be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law.

The partial ban includes elements “that could be used in the current war in Gaza” between Israel and Hamas.

Italy

Italy announced late last year that it had stopped sending arms to “Israel”, although some arms exports continued. The Italian government stated that it would honor existing orders as long as the arms were not used against civilians, according to Reuters.

Italy was the third largest arms exporter to “Israel” between 2019 and 2023, accounting for 0.9% of Israel’s arms imports during that period, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Spain

The Spanish Foreign Ministry stated in February that the country had not approved any arms sales to “Israel” since October 7. However, local newspapers reported that arms exports approved before the war were sent to Israel after the conflict erupted.

Netherlands

A Dutch court ordered a halt to the export of parts for F-35 aircraft to “Israel” due to clear risks of serious violations of international humanitarian law. This decision followed a lawsuit filed by Oxfam Novib and two other human rights groups. The Dutch Supreme Court will review the appeal filed by the Dutch government this week.

Belgium

In February, the Walloon region of Belgium suspended two licenses for exporting gunpowder to Israel, according to local media, following a decision by the International Court of Justice urging “Israel” to take more efforts to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza.

Canada

The Canadian Foreign Ministry stated in March that it had not approved any arms export licenses to “Israel” since January 8 and that this suspension would continue until it could ensure “full compliance” by Israel with export controls. Permits granted before January 8 would remain valid.

Additionally, the Canadian House of Commons passed a non-binding resolution in March calling for a halt to any further arms export authorizations to “Israel”.

@E.Y.M