The UK will not suspend arms exports to Israel despite “grave concerns” about humanitarian access in Gaza, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced. The decision comes after the killing of seven aid workers in an air strike last week, sparking outrage and calls for action.
Foreign Secretary Rishi Sunak has been facing mounting pressure, including from within his own party, to immediately suspend the sale of arms amid a growing chorus of opposition to the number of civilians killed in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, the government has decided to continue with the export licences, citing a “robust legal process” for assessing them.
Despite calls to publish the legal advice, Lord Cameron stated that it was an “important principle” not to make it public. He emphasized that the UK will continue to have “grave concerns” about humanitarian access to Gaza and urged Israel to fulfill its promises to provide aid to the region.
In the face of escalating tensions, Lord Cameron also warned that the UK and US may need to consider a “plan B” for the Israel-Hamas conflict if the current strategy does not work and there is an attack on Rafah. The government is focused on achieving a sustainable ceasefire and removing Hamas leaders from Gaza to bring an end to the conflict.
This decision not to suspend arms exports to Israel is not unprecedented, as past UK governments have taken similar actions in response to conflicts involving Israel. The debate over the legal advice received by ministers continues, with calls for transparency and accountability from opposition politicians and members of parliament.