Pressure mounts on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to halt arms sales to Israel after a fatal airstrike on an aid convoy in Gaza.
The demand for Sunak to cease arms provision to Israel intensified following an Israeli airstrike that resulted in the death of seven World Central Kitchen staff, including three British nationals, on Monday.
The UK government is currently seeking legal counsel on the legality of its arms sales to Israel. Sunak faces calls to disclose any legal advice received regarding potential violations of international law by Israel in Gaza.
A leaked conversation revealed Alicia Kearns, chair of the UK’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee, asserting the government has been advised of Israel’s illegal actions but has not made this advice public.
Kearns reaffirmed her stance, emphasizing the government’s obligation to assess Israel’s adherence to international humanitarian law, which she believes has been found lacking.
The Conservative Party’s historical support for Israel is under scrutiny after the deaths of British citizens.
Over 600 legal professionals and ex-judiciary members have written to Sunak, urging “serious action” to prevent UK complicity in violations of international law, including potential breaches of the Genocide Convention.
The opposition parties, Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and the Scottish National Party, demand a halt on arms sales to Israel if found illegal and seek clarification from Sunak.
In recent discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Sunak condemned the killing of aid workers, including three British nationals, and called for a comprehensive and independent investigation.
UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps noted that Britain’s defense sales to Israel are minor compared to those from the US and Germany, yet the UK has licensed over $725m in arms to Israel.
A unilateral suspension of arms sales by the UK would mark a significant diplomatic stance and differentiate it from allies like the US and Germany, presenting a domestic political challenge for Sunak.
The family of James Henderson, a former Royal Marine and one of the deceased aid workers, criticizes the UK’s arms sales to Israel. His brother expressed skepticism about the government’s willingness to hold responsible parties accountable and voiced concern over the UK’s arms sales potentially leading to further civilian casualties.
“It’s hard to comprehend that,” he told the Times of London, highlighting the profound impact of such policies on families and citizens alike.
