Amnesty UK urges government not to resume arms exports to Israel
The rights organization described reports that the UK might unblock arms sales as “deeply troubling.” It emphasized that ceasefire talks do not change the humanitarian situation on the ground. "Let’s not be fooled by talk of ‘ceasefires’ or ‘peace. Israel’s genocide in Gaza has not stopped. Killings have continued," the group said, adding that the blockade and what it described as the system of apartheid remain in place.
The comments followed statements from the UK’s Business Secretary, who suggested that paused export licenses could be resumed after a later phase of a ceasefire agreement concludes. He indicated that discussions on trade with Israel and previously suspended licenses would be revisited once there is “progress with peace.”
In September 2024, the UK government suspended 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel after a review found a “clear risk” that some exports could contribute to serious violations of international humanitarian law. Earlier, in May, the then-foreign secretary had also paused negotiations on a new UK-Israel free trade agreement.
Amnesty UK noted that the suspension was never a full ban, highlighting ongoing reports that parts for F-35 fighter jets continued to be exported—equipment the organization says has been implicated in attacks against Palestinians. The group criticized linking potential lifting of the suspension to trade deals rather than obligations under international law and International Court of Justice rulings, calling it “highly problematic yet painfully telling about this Government’s real priorities.”
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