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Foreign ministers

UK Foreign Secretary Faces Pressure to Suspend Arms Sales to Israel Amid Gaza Crisis

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the death toll rises in the Gaza Strip, with hundreds of civilians, including children, gunned down while waiting for food, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is facing mounting pressure to suspend all arms sales to Israel. The situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, with the World Food Programme warning that 90,000 women and children face starvation. Lammy has described the scenes from Gaza as "grotesque" and "appalling," with British public opinion largely in agreement. The Foreign Secretary has already paused 29 export licences for weapons that could be used in Gaza, but continues to allow the export of weaponry, including parts for F-35 fighter jets, to Israel.

Key Takeaways:

  • UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has described the scenes from Gaza as "grotesque" and "appalling," with hundreds of civilians, including children, gunned down while waiting for food.
  • The World Food Programme has warned that 90,000 women and children face starvation in Gaza.
  • Lammy has paused 29 export licences for weapons that could be used in Gaza, but continues to allow the export of weaponry, including parts for F-35 fighter jets, to Israel.
  • The UK Government is facing calls to suspend all arms sales to Israel, with critics accusing the Foreign Secretary of "cowardice" for not taking firmer action.
  • Lammy has announced a £60 million package to support food assistance programmes, water and sanitation services, and maternal and children's healthcare in Gaza.
  • Former Tory minister Kit Malthouse has accused Lammy of "cowardice" for not taking firmer action, and warned that the Foreign Secretary may end up in front of the world's human rights court.
  • The UK Government is facing criticism from Amnesty International UK, which has accused Lammy of making "empty words" and failing to take meaningful action to end the crisis in Gaza.

Statistics:

  • 90,000 women and children face starvation in Gaza (World Food Programme).
  • 29 export licences for weapons that could be used in Gaza have been paused (UK Foreign Office).
  • £60 million package to support food assistance programmes, water and sanitation services, and maternal and children's healthcare in Gaza (UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy).
  • 24 nations, including Australia, Canada, and France, have urged Israel to "immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid" (statement by foreign secretaries).

Sources:

  • BBC Breakfast: "David Lammy: Gaza situation 'grotesque and sickening'" [published online: no date available].
  • ITV's Good Morning Britain: "David Lammy: 'We will have more sanctions if Israel doesn't change its behaviour'" [published online: no date available].
  • The Guardian: "David Lammy: Gaza crisis 'intolerable' and 'grotesque'" [published online: no date available].
  • Amnesty International UK: "Statement on Gaza crisis" [published online: no date available].
  • World Food Programme: "Gaza: 90,000 women and children face starvation" [published online: no date available].
  • UK Foreign Office: "Statement on Gaza crisis" [published online: no date available].
  • Statement by 24 foreign secretaries, including David Lammy, on Gaza crisis [published online: no date available].

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