Iran Press/Europe: The lawmakers argue that this move is crucial to increasing pressure for a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict, citing the UK’s legal obligations under international humanitarian law.
The letter, organized by Coventry South MP Zahra Sultana and co-signed by 36 other MPs, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, criticizes the UK government for issuing export licenses through third countries, despite recognizing the risk of violations of international humanitarian law."The government has admitted it cannot directly authorize the transfer of F-35 parts to Israel due to clear risks of breaching international law. However, it has not suspended export licenses through third countries, including the United States," the letter states.
The MPs harshly criticized the government's decision, arguing that it contradicts the UK's legal commitments to prevent involvement in human rights abuses, genocide, and breaches of the Geneva Conventions.
They also urged the government to provide a more comprehensive explanation of how exempting F-35 parts aligns with these obligations.UK Suspends Some Arms Sales to Israel, but Exempts F-35 PartsTwo weeks ago, the UK government suspended around 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel due to concerns over potential violations of international human rights laws. David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, stated in Parliament that the licenses were suspended after a two-month review revealed a risk that the weapons could facilitate serious breaches of international law.
The suspended licenses relate to aircraft parts, drones, military helicopters, and ground-targeting systems. However, parts for F-35 fighter jets were excluded from this suspension.
Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds defended the decision, claiming that "maintaining the F-35 program is integral to international security."Rising Protests Against F-35 Parts ExemptionPublic opposition to the UK’s exemption of F-35 parts is growing. Last week, tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central London, demanding a complete halt to arms sales to Israel, an end to the war in Gaza, and the immediate establishment of a ceasefire.
During a recent Prime Minister's Questions session, Scottish National Party MP Brendan O'Hara condemned the bombing of densely populated civilian areas in Gaza as a war crime, pointing out that Israel used F-35 jets for these attacks. He questioned why the UK government continued to exempt F-35 parts from the suspension.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded by asserting that the government had explained its rationale, adding that a ceasefire was the most pressing concern at the moment. He emphasized his government's efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas, ensure much-needed humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, and work toward a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace.
Gaza Conflict Intensifies, Ceasefire Elusive*As the war in Gaza stretches into its 11th month, the Israeli military’s continued attacks have devastated the region, leaving it in ruins and killing over 41,000 Palestinians, according to recent reports. Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to end the war, seeking to maintain his increasingly precarious political position both domestically and internationally.
The latest round of ceasefire talks has failed due to Israel's insistence on maintaining its aggressive stance, leaving little hope for an immediate resolution.
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