UK ensures arms exports to Israel comply with international law, says minister

Minister for Development at the Foreign office Anneliese Dodds, UK
Photo credit: labourlist.org

The UK government is confident that its exports to Israel will not be used to breach international humanitarian law, according to Minister for Development at the Foreign office Anneliese Dodds, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.

Speaking to the House of Commons, she emphasised that "most licences" for exports to Israel are not directed toward the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), with F35 aircraft components being a notable exception.

In the past, the UK suspended around 30 arms exports to Israel due to concerns that they could be used in the Gaza conflict. Following a review on September 2, Dodds confirmed that there are no current export licences for items to Israel that could contribute to severe violations of international law.

"There are no extant export licences for items we assess might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law," she reiterated.

While Liberal Democrat member of parliament Calum Miller urged the government to halt all arms sales to Israel in light of ongoing violence in Gaza, Dodds stood by the decision, clarifying the UK’s legal framework that guides such decisions. She added that most UK exports to Israel are unrelated to military activities by the IDF.

Calls for stricter measures were raised by Independent member of parliament Imran Hussain, who suggested immediate sanctions on hard-right Israeli ministers. Dodds affirmed that the UK government would continue to review its approach in response to the evolving situation.

Meanwhile, Labour member of parliament Emily Thornberry pressed the government to enhance its support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) following reports of Israeli attacks on Unifil watchtowers. Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer agreed that the current situation was unsustainable and emphasised ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the crisis.

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