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Human rights

UK Government Defends F-35 Fighter Jet Export to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The UK government will face a legal challenge in a High Court hearing starting Tuesday, defending its decision to continue supplying parts for F-35 fighter jets that may be used by Israel in Gaza. Human rights groups have brought the challenge, arguing that the government is breaking domestic and international law by allowing essential components for the warplanes to be supplied to Israel, despite a "clear risk" that the items could be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK government has suspended about 30 of 350 existing export licenses for equipment deemed to be for use in the conflict in Gaza, but an exemption was made for some licenses related to components of F-35 fighter jets.
  • Rights groups argue that the UK shouldn't continue the export of F-35 fighter jet components through a "deliberate loophole," given the government's own assessment of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law.
  • The Campaign Against Arms Trade estimates that the UK supplies about 15% of the components in the F-35 stealth combat aircraft, including its laser targeting system.
  • The legal challenge was brought by Palestinian human rights organization Al-Haq and the U.K.-based Global Legal Action Network, which argue that the components are indirectly supplied to Israel through the global spare parts supply chain.
  • U.K. officials have argued that stopping the export of F-35 fighter jet components would negatively impact international peace and security.
  • Israel resumed its bombardment in Gaza in March, shattering a two-month ceasefire with Hamas, and over 52,800 people have been killed in Gaza, more than half of them women and children.

Statistics:

  • The UK government has suspended about 30 of 350 existing export licenses for equipment deemed to be for use in the conflict in Gaza.
  • The UK supplies about 15% of the components in the F-35 stealth combat aircraft.
  • More than 52,800 people have been killed in Gaza, including over half women and children.
  • Israel says it has killed thousands of militants, but the exact number is not provided.
  • The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.

Sources:

  • The U.K. government's statement regarding the suspension of export licenses, September 2024
  • The Campaign Against Arms Trade, estimate of UK's contribution to F-35 components
  • Al-Haq and Global Legal Action Network, legal challenge
  • U.N. secretary-general's statement on the situation in Gaza
  • Israel's health ministry, death toll in Gaza
  • International Criminal Court, arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas' military chief

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