Amnesty Demands UK Keep Arms Export Licenses to Israel Blocked
The human rights organization characterized the UK government's signals about potentially unfreezing arms sales to Israel as "deeply troubling."
"Let's not be fooled by talk of 'ceasefires' or 'peace.' Israel's genocide in Gaza has not stopped. Killings have continued," the group declared in a statement, emphasizing that the illegal blockade persists alongside what it terms a system of apartheid.
The statement directly responded to Business Secretary Peter Kyle's comments during an interview with The Jewish Chronicle newspaper published Monday.
Kyle spoke at Sunday's Jewish Labour Movement annual conference in London, indicating that suspended UK arms export licenses to Israel could be "unblocked" following completion of Phase Two of the ceasefire agreement.
He pledged to reexamine UK-Israel trade discussions and frozen arms export licenses after he observes "progress with peace."
In September 2024, British authorities suspended 30 of 350 arms export licenses to Israel after a comprehensive review determined a "clear risk" that certain exports might be utilized to commit or enable grave violations of international humanitarian law.
Last May, then-British Foreign Secretary David Lammy halted negotiations with Israel regarding a new free trade agreement.
Amnesty UK emphasized that the UK never implemented a complete arms sales prohibition, noting that reports indicate components for F-35 fighter jets continued flowing—equipment accused of being deployed in Israel's ongoing genocide against Palestinians.
The organization criticized linking the suspension's reversal to trade agreements rather than obligations under international law and International Court of Justice rulings as "highly problematic yet painfully telling about this Government's real priorities."
"These decisions should be grounded in human rights and legal responsibilities, not political manoeuvring. The UK must not reward Israel as it is deepening its illegal occupation and apartheid policies," Amnesty International UK stated.
The Israeli army has killed more than 71,000 victims, predominantly women and children, and wounded over 171,000 in a devastating offensive since October 2023 that reduced Gaza to rubble.
Despite a ceasefire initiated Oct. 10, Israel has sustained its attacks, killing 447 Palestinians and wounding 1,246, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
