New figures from the Department of International Trade show that the UK has licensed over £320 million worth of arms to Israel since the attack on Gaza in 2014.
Licences include components for drones, combat aircraft and helicopters along with spare parts for sniper rifles. 2017 also saw a £183 million licences for ‘technology for military radars.’
32 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli forces in protests over recent weeks, with more than 150 wounded.
In 2014, there was a debate in government about UK arms sales to Israel, with Baroness Warsi resigning in opposition to the continued arms sales. A review by government at the time found 12 licences for arms which are likely to have been used in the 2014 war.
Previously, in 2010, the then Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Israeli equipment used in the attack on Gaza “almost certainly” contained UK-supplied components.
Andrew Smith of Campaign Against Arms Trade said:
The appalling scenes we have seen over recent weeks are yet another stark reminder of the repression and abuse that Palestinians are living under every day.
By continuing to arm Israeli forces the UK is making itself complicit in future attacks, and it is sending a message of support for the collective punishment that has been inflicted.
The situation is desperate, and the UK should be working for a peaceful and just solution, not pushing arms sales which can be used in abuses for years to come.
ENDS
For further information, or to see a breakdown of polling, please contact Andrew at media(at)caat·org·uk or call 020 7281 0297.
