UK will halt arms sales to Israel if it breaches international law in Gaza: UK Deputy Prime Minister

Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said that the UK would not sell arms to Israel if it breaches international law in Gaza. The statement comes at a time when UK minister is being pressed to disclose the legal counsel they have been given over the continuation of military sales to Israel.

When asked, "If the Government would stop arms sales if it received legal advice that Israel was in breach of international humanitarian law," onthe BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Dowden replied, “If it is the case that we can’t lawfully, in accordance with the Act do so, of course we won’t supply those arms, but that is precisely the position, for example, even in respect of the United States or any other country around the world."

“And it contrasts so strongly, our adherence to very high values, with the appalling atrocities that have been committed by terrorist organisations against Israel,” he added.

There has been a split in the UK cabinet on the matter of arms sales to Israel. British Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron wrote in Sunday Times, “Of course our backing is not unconditional: we expect such a proud and successful democracy to abide by international humanitarian law, even when challenged in this way. As an occupying power, Israel has a responsibility to the people of Gaza.”

This comes after the killings of three British aid workers John Chapman, 57, James “Jim” Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47 on April 1 by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

Sunday (April 7) marks six months since the October 7 attack in which Hamas militants attacked southern Israel which left about 1,200 dead.

(With inputs from agencies)