British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of arms exports to "Israel" following evidence of "clear violations of international law in Gaza," Euronews reported.

 

During discussions with the Israeli Occupation government, Lammy emphasized that "Israeli settlement activity undermines the two-state solution and weakens the chances of achieving peace."

 

Lammy further stated that returning to a ceasefire in Gaza is a crucial step to ensure the release of all the captives, noting the essential roles played by Egypt and Qatar in facilitating dialogue. He warned that annexing Palestinian territories would only escalate violence and diminish the prospects for a viable Palestinian state. He asserted that the ongoing culture of impunity for settlers involved in acts of violence is "unacceptable."

 

Expressing deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, Lammy described it as one of the most dangerous places in the world for aid workers. He highlighted that around 400 aid workers have been killed since the aggression escalated, stating, "We must see serious steps to ensure the protection of aid workers in Gaza."

 

This announcement coincides with the first anniversary of the Israeli Occupation airstrike that killed seven aid workers, including three British citizens, in Gaza. In light of this, British Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, called on the Israeli Occupation to expedite its investigations and hold accountable those responsible for the attack.

 

Speaking in the House of Commons, Falconer urged the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) prosecutor to complete "quickly and thoroughly" the investigations into the airstrike that targeted a vehicle belonging to the "Global Central Kitchen" convoy on April 1, 2024, which bore clear indications of its humanitarian mission.

 

Falconer asserted that the investigation should explore the possibility of opening a criminal inquiry against those responsible for the strike. He expressed his sympathy for the victims' families, saying, "Today marks the anniversary of the horrific strike on the Global Central Kitchen convoy, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including British citizens John Chapman, James Henderson, and James Kirby. I want to commend their bravery and remember this terrible tragedy that occurred that day."

 

He also mentioned that he and Lammy had met with the victims' families in November, highlighting their determination to seek justice for their loved ones. "These families are determined to seek justice for their loved ones, and I know this House stands united behind our demand."

 

"Israel's" preliminary investigation into the airstrike resulted in the dismissal of two IOF officers, but London is now demanding more thorough and transparent measures, including potential criminal accountability for those involved in the airstrike.

 

- US' response - 

Warren Stephens, an Arkansas-based investment banker and political supporter of Donald Trump, expressed confusion over UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to halt certain arms exports to "Israel".

 

"I'm a little perplexed," Stephens said during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, referring to the UK’s move to suspend some weapons shipments, France 24 reported.

 

"What I've read about that, with the UK halting some of their shipments to Israel, is certainly concerning," he added.

 

Responding to a question from Republican Senator Rick Scott—who criticized Starmer’s Labour Party for allegedly viewing "Israel" as "a problem and not a solution"—Stephens pledged to push for a policy reversal.

 

"I would do my part to encourage them to reinstate those permits and to try to get them, you know, what they need to continue the fight," he said.

 

Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, announced in September that the UK would pause 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to "Israel" due to concerns the weapons might be used in ways that violate humanitarian law.

 

While Starmer maintained that Britain continued to support "Israel's right to self-defense," he emphasized the UK's "commitment to the international rule of law." His decision marked a shift from the stance of the previous Conservative government and differed from that of the Biden administration, which, despite concerns over "Israeli" military actions, has largely continued arms shipments.

 

The White House has refrained from criticizing Starmer’s decision, emphasizing the UK's sovereignty in making its own policy choices.