Report Accuses UK of Complicity in Gaza Genocide Through Military Support for Israel
A new report released by the British Palestinian Committee (BPC) alleges that the United Kingdom’s military collaboration with Israel, including arms provisions, logistical aid, and interventions in Yemen, could constitute a breach of international law and make the UK complicit in the alleged genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, Al Jazeera reports.
The report, published on Tuesday, asserts that while the UK government is not directly engaged in violence in Gaza, it has played a significant role through arms export licensing and deep military cooperation with Israel. It highlights that UK-made F-35 parts sent to Israel contribute to the global pool of spare parts for Israeli combat jets.
The BPC report argues that in taking these actions, the UK is not only failing its responsibilities to uphold international law but is also actively aiding Israel’s alleged genocide of the Palestinian people. The report details how the British military has provided crucial components to Israel, and engaged in deeper military collaboration beyond these exports.
The report also raises concerns about the UK’s military intervention in Yemen and actions to protect Israel’s military infrastructure during escalations with Iran. This includes the UK’s efforts to shield Israeli military assets from a potential Iranian response after Israel’s bombing of an Iranian consulate in Damascus in April 2024, where 13 people, including civilians, were killed.
The BPC stresses that the UK’s actions contradict its official policy outlined in the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, which states that arms export licenses should not be granted if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law.
Despite this policy, then-Foreign Minister David Cameron stated in April 2024 that the UK would not halt arms sales to Israel. He later defended the decision by claiming they represented “less than 1 percent” of Israel’s arms imports.
However, in September 2024, the UK suspended 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing a “clear risk” they could be used in serious breaches of international humanitarian law. Despite the suspension, the British government has since issued 34 new arms export licenses to Israel, including three open licenses that allow for the export of an unlimited number and value of goods.
The 19-page report concludes that the UK is legally obligated to prevent genocide and to prosecute those responsible, both within its jurisdiction and, where possible, internationally. It emphasizes that the prevention of genocide is a proactive, not passive obligation, requiring a due diligence assessment based on factual evidence.
Media reports indicate that in 2022, the UK supplied £42 million ($53m) worth of arms to Israel.
