British MPs Demand Halt on F-35 Parts Exports to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

According to SAEDNEWS, In a bold move, 37 British Members of Parliament (MPs) are urging their government to stop exporting parts for the F-35 fighter jet to Israel. This appeal comes as concerns grow over the ongoing violence in Gaza, where the Israeli military has been active for nearly a year.

In a letter addressed to the UK’s foreign, defense, and business secretaries, these MPs expressed alarm over the government's decision to continue issuing export licenses for parts that could contribute to Israel's military operations. Recently, the British government announced a suspension of only 30 export licenses for arms going to Israel, which many MPs argue is insufficient.

The MPs highlighted that the partial ban “does not go far enough,” warning that continued sales could implicate the UK in “serious violations of international law” taking place in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. The MPs pointed out that the British government has the power to completely cut off Israel from receiving F-35 parts.

The letter stated, “The government itself has admitted it cannot license direct transfers of F-35 components to Israel due to the risk of serious violations of international humanitarian law.” However, they emphasized that the UK has not halted licenses allowing the export of UK-made F-35 parts to Israel through third countries, such as the United States.

The lawmakers are demanding clarity on why these exemptions exist and how they align with the UK’s international responsibilities. They stated, “There appears to be no legal justification for the exemption,” and they are calling for a thorough explanation from Parliament.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently argued that stopping the export of these parts would harm the global supply chain for the F-35, which he claims is crucial for the safety of the UK and its allies.

The issue has raised alarm among human rights activists, especially after reports revealed that an F-35 was used in a recent Israeli airstrike on a supposed safe zone in Gaza, resulting in significant civilian casualties.

Since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, 2023, over 41,000 Palestinians have lost their lives and more than 95,000 have been injured, with many victims being women and children. This escalation followed a major operation by resistance groups in Gaza against what they viewed as ongoing oppression.

As pressure mounts on the UK government regarding its arms sales practices, the calls from MPs reflect a growing concern over the implications of such exports in light of international humanitarian laws.