The steps taken today by the government are grotesquely inadequate and will serve to maintain Britain’s complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza. It must introduce a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel now.
Lammy described Israel’s blockade as “intolerable”, saying it is “morally wrong, unjustifiable” and “needs to stop.” He described Israel’s plans to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza as “repellent” and “monstrous”. In doing so, he has conceded what has been clear to a consensus of human rights organisations and legal experts, the international courts, and the millions in Britain who have taken to the streets in massive demonstrations, for many, many months – that Israel is engaged in genocide and other crimes against humanity including using starvation as a weapon of war.
The UK government has announced it is suspending trade negotiations with Israel, reviewing the 2030 UK-Israel roadmap, and summoning the Israeli ambassador. These steps are welcome, but not nearly enough to begin to end Britain’s complicity in Israel’s genocide. The government continues to export weapons and military technology used by Israel to carry out its genocide and enforce its blockade on Gaza, including parts for Israel’s F-35 fighter jets used to drop 2000lb bombs. Just last week, the government argued in court that the ensuring the integrity of the F-35 supply chain was more important than stopping Israel’s genocide.
Today could be a turning point, where the government begins to undo the depths of its complicity in Israel’s genocide, by treating Israel not as an ally, but as a rogue state carrying out atrocities. Or, without further action, it will be recognised as just a last ditch attempt to salvage its reputation as a government that has enabled these crimes.
The UK government must now:
- Immediately introduce a comprehensive military embargo to end all arms trade and military collaboration with Israel.
- End all trade negotiations with Israel and introduce a total ban on all trade which aids or assists Israel’s violations of international law including but not limited to trade with Israel’s illegal settlements.
- Introduce immediate and wide-ranging sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, against all Israeli government ministers, including Benjamin Netanyahu.