Renewal of aid for UNRWA
Last week, David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, announced a renewal of aid for UNRWA, which is still investigating Israeli accusations about its members taking part in the Oct 7 massacre.
Sir Keir’s government also dropped a challenge to the ICC’s looming arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, and Yoav Gallant, the defence minister.
The UK has sold components for Israeli F-15, F-16, and F-35 fighter jets, helicopters, submarines and body armour. Exports to Israel were estimated at £18.2 million in 2023.
The previous Conservative-led government came under pressure to halt arms exports to Israel following the killing of British aid workers in Gaza. Lord Cameron, the former foreign secretary, announced in April that the government would not impose restrictions, saying Israel was acting within international law.
“This is consistent with the advice that I and other ministers have received and as ever we will keep the position under review,” Sir David said in April.
The decision was met with criticism by then shadow foreign secretary Mr Lammy who accused Lord Cameron of “hiding from scrutiny” after he refused to publish the legal advice.
“If there is a clear risk that UK arms might be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law, the government must suspend the sale of those arms,” he said.