Britain has announced it will immediately suspend 30 of its 350 arms export licences with Israel because of a 'clear risk' that such equipment might be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law.
Britain has announced it will immediately suspend 30 of its 350 arms export licences with Israel because of a "clear risk" that such equipment might be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The current war began when Hamas led a terror attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, in which about 1,200 mostly civilians were killed and 251 abducted, according to Israeli figures.Here's what we know about the UK's decision and whether there are implications for Australia and other countries.The British government does not give arms directly to Israel but rather issues licences for companies to sell weapons.
"For example, Israel should establish a speedier and more effective system for deconflicting humanitarian aid from military operations," the paper reads."The concerns regarding Israel's compliance and commitment in the areas of humanitarian relief and treatment of detainees give cause for concern about its attitude and approach to the conduct of hostilities."
In its ruling, the ICJ said that UN member states had an obligation to "take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory." The British government's announcement came after Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq and the UK-based Global Legal Action Network filed a legal challenge aimed at forcing the UK to stop granting any licences for arms exports to Israel. The case has yet to go to a full court hearing.While British companies sell a relatively small amount of weapons and components to Israel, the UK is one of Israel's closest allies, so the decision could carry symbolic significance.
David Lammy Keir Starmer Israel Gaza Weapons Arms Exports Suspension Britain Yoav Gallant
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