Britain’s decision came after the end of a review of arms licenses exported to Israel, which was requested by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy shortly after he took office in early July.
Although Britain accounts for only a small portion of arms sales to Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the decision, saying that “with or without British weapons we will win this war”.
These are the most prominent countries that have suspended or restricted arms exports to Israel, according to the Washington Post.
Britain said on Monday it would immediately suspend about 30 of around 350 arms export licences to Israel, including components used in military aircraft, helicopters and drones as well as items used to target the ground.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the decision to limit the licenses came as a result of concerns that military equipment could be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The partial ban includes items “that could be used in the current conflict in Gaza” between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, the minister explained.
Italy announced late last year that it had stopped sending arms to Israel, although some arms exports have continued.
The Italian government said it would comply with current requests on condition that weapons were not used against civilians, according to Reuters.
Italy was the third largest arms exporter to Israel between 2019 and 2023, accounting for 0.9 percent of Israel’s imports during that period, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Spain’s foreign ministry said in February that the country had not approved any arms sales to Israel since October 7.
However, local newspapers reported that arms exports approved before the war were sent to Israel after the war broke out.
A court has ordered the Dutch government to halt the export of F-35 aircraft parts to Israel due to the clear risk of serious violations of international humanitarian law, in response to a lawsuit filed by Oxfam Novab and two other human rights groups.
The Supreme Court will hear the Dutch government’s appeal against the decision this week.
In February, Belgium’s Wallonia region suspended two licenses to export gunpowder to Israel, local media reported, following a ruling by the International Court of Justice requiring Israel to do more to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza.
Canada’s foreign ministry said in March that the country had not approved any arms export permits to Israel since Jan. 8 and that the moratorium would continue until it could ensure “full compliance” by Israel with export controls, noting that permits granted before Jan. 8 would remain valid.
The Canadian House of Commons also passed a non-binding resolution in March that required any further authorization of arms exports to Israel to be halted.
Source: The Washington Post
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2024-09-06 07:06:35
International Backlash: Countries Suspending Arms Exports to Israel
In recent months, several countries have taken a stand against Israel’s military actions by suspending or restricting arms exports to the nation. This move comes in response to concerns over human rights violations and international humanitarian law. Britain, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands are among the countries that have taken action, citing concerns over the use of military equipment in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Britain’s Decision
Britain’s decision to suspend arms exports to Israel was announced in early July, following a review of licenses requested by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The review resulted in the immediate suspension of around 30 arms export licenses, including components used in military aircraft, helicopters, and drones, as well as items used to target the ground. This move was taken due to concerns that military equipment could be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law.
Despite Israel’s criticism of the decision, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that “with or without British weapons we will win this war”, Britain remains committed to upholding international humanitarian law. The partial ban includes items “that could be used in the current conflict in Gaza” between Israel and the Palestinian militant group.
Italy’s Move
In December, Italy announced that it had stopped sending arms to Israel, although some arms exports have continued. The Italian government has stated that it will comply with current requests on condition that weapons are not used against civilians. As the third-largest arms exporter to Israel between 2019 and 2023, accounting for 0.9 percent of Israel’s imports during that period, Italy’s decision is significant.
Spain’s Stance
In February, Spain’s foreign ministry announced that the country had not approved any arms sales to Israel since October 7. However, local newspapers reported that arms exports approved before the war were sent to Israel after the war broke out. This has raised concerns over the effectiveness of Spain’s stance on arms exports to Israel.
The Netherlands’ Decision
A court has ordered the Dutch government to halt the export of F-35 aircraft parts to Israel due to the clear risk of serious violations of international humanitarian law. This decision was made in response to a lawsuit filed by Oxfam Novab and two other human rights groups. The Dutch government has appealed the decision, with the Supreme Court set to hear the case this week.
Belgium’s Action
In February, Belgium’s Wallonia region suspended two licenses to export gunpowder to Israel, following a ruling by the International Court of Justice requiring Israel to do more to prevent human rights violations.
Implications and Consequences
The decision by these countries to suspend or restrict arms exports to Israel has significant implications. It highlights the growing international concern over Israel’s military actions and the need for countries to uphold international humanitarian law. The move also raises questions over the effectiveness of arms exports in contributing to regional stability and security.
Conclusion
The suspension of arms exports to Israel by Britain, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium is a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It demonstrates a growing international commitment to upholding human rights and international humanitarian law. As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these countries will continue to respond to the crisis.
Keywords: Arms exports, Israel, international humanitarian law, human rights, Britain, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Gaza, international relations, military equipment, conflict resolution.
Meta Description: Countries around the world are taking a stand against Israel’s military actions by suspending arms exports. Find out which countries have taken action and what it means for the conflict in Gaza.
Header Tags:
H1: International Backlash: Countries Suspending Arms Exports to Israel
H2: Britain’s Decision
H2: Italy’s Move
H2: Spain’s Stance
H2: The Netherlands’ Decision
H2: Belgium’s Action
H2: Implications and Consequences
H2: Conclusion
