UK military support to Israel ‘could be breach of international law,’ report claims

A new report by the British Palestinian Committee (BPC) suggests that the UK government’s military collaboration with Israel during its assault on Gaza, as well as its provision of arms, logistical aid, and military interventions in Yemen, could breach international law.

The report claims that while the UK government did not directly perpetrate violence in Gaza, it played an influential role by approving arms licenses and engaging in military cooperation with Israel.

UK-made F-35 parts, sent to Israel and other partner countries for assembly, have contributed to maintaining Israeli jets for combat. The report accuses the UK of being complicit in Israel’s actions, referring to it as actively supporting Israel’s alleged genocide of the Palestinian people.

In addition, the report criticizes the UK’s military collaboration with Israel, noting that British military bases in Cyprus have supported Israel’s operations in Gaza.

The UK has also provided military protection to Israel’s infrastructure during its escalation against Iran, including shielding Israeli assets after bombing an Iranian consulate building in Damascus in April 2024.

Sara Husseini, BPC director, urged the UK government to impose a two-way arms embargo, halt military collaboration, and ensure the rights of the Palestinian people are upheld. The UK has faced criticism for continuing arms exports to Israel, with the government issuing 34 arms export licenses to Israel since suspending 30 in September 2024.

The BPC’s report concludes that the UK has a legal obligation to prevent genocide and prosecute those responsible, highlighting the proactive responsibility states have under international law to prevent such actions. The UK supplied £42 million ($53 million) worth of arms to Israel in 2022.

Source: BBC

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