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Foreign ministers

UK Politicians Urge Immediate Ban on Arms Sales to Israel Amid Gaza Crisis

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

UK politicians have called for the UK government to take a stronger stance against Israel's military operations in Gaza, with one Oxfordshire MP urging a ban on arms sales to Israel. The calls come as the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with at least 60 people killed by Israeli strikes overnight. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced that the UK will suspend trade deals with Israel and sanction individuals and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities.

Sir Keir Starmer, along with the leaders of France and Canada, has called for Israel to stop its military operations and restrictions on humanitarian aid, and has said they will take "concrete actions" unless the country changes course. Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, has written to Foreign Secretary David Lammy in support of the sanctions, but has urged the government to go further by banning the export of all UK arms to Israel. Miller has also asked the government to extend sanctions to Israeli ministers who call for the dispossession of Palestinians.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Mark Carney have issued a joint statement opposing the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza.
  • The UK government has announced the suspension of trade deals with Israel and sanctions against individuals and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities.
  • At least 60 people in Gaza were killed by Israeli strikes overnight, with many more injured and displaced.
  • Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, has called for the UK government to ban the export of all UK arms to Israel and extend sanctions to Israeli ministers who call for the dispossession of Palestinians.
  • The situation in Gaza continues to cause grave concern, with the UK government being urged to take further action to support humanitarian aid and prevent the forced displacement of civilians.

Statistics:

  • At least 60 people were killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza overnight, with many more injured and displaced.
  • Israel's military operations in Gaza have caused widespread destruction and suffering, with thousands of Palestinians forced to flee their homes.
  • The UK government has announced sanctions against three individuals, two illegal settler outposts, and two organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
  • The UK has suspended all trade deal negotiations with Israel in response to its military operations in Gaza.

Sources:

  • Calum Miller (@calummillerld.bsky.social), 23 May 2025, written to Foreign Secretary David Lammy in support of sanctions against Israel.
  • House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire, joint statement from Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Mark Carney, 22 May 2025.
  • [Image: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire], Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement accusing the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada of siding with "murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers".

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