The UK informed the US in advance of its intention to suspend the operation of several licenses for exporting arms to Israel, according to The Times, citing a British diplomatic source.
On Monday, Britain suspended the operation of around 30 out of 350 licenses. The authorities explained that the exported arms might be used in violation of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip. The White House considered London’s decision to be a letdown, as reported by British journalist Robert Peston, citing American sources.
“The source added that there was ‘nothing further from the truth’ regarding any disagreements with Washington, and reiterated that [British Foreign Secretary David] Lammy had informed his American counterpart of the decision to suspend arms sales over the weekend,” the article states.
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A British diplomatic source told The Times that the US “understands” London’s decision. According to the newspaper, some American diplomats also believe that Israel has gone too far in its military actions in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the publication noted that the British authorities’ decision “has set London apart” from close allies such as the US and Germany, which continue to supply arms to the Jewish state.
On October 7, 2023, Israel suffered an unprecedented large-scale rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Afterward, Palestinian Hamas movement fighters infiltrated border areas, opening fire on military and civilian targets, and taking over 200 hostages. According to the authorities, around 1,200 people were killed.
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The Israel Defense Forces launched Operation “Iron Swords” in the Gaza Strip, including strikes on civilian targets. Israel announced a complete blockade of the enclave, halting supplies of water, electricity, fuel, food, and medicine. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 40,000 people have died, and over 94,000 have been injured. The Gaza Strip has effectively been divided into southern and northern parts, with Israel conducting a ground operation in Rafah, considered the last stronghold of Hamas.
The Russian Foreign Ministry called on the parties to cease hostilities. According to Moscow’s position, a settlement is only possible based on the formula approved by the UN Security Council, which involves the creation of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
