Quds News Network

London (Quds News Network)- London Mayor Sadiq Khan has voiced opposition to the capital hosting a major international arms fair, citing Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza where more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. “London is home to thousands of people who have fled conflict and suffered as a result of weapons like those exhibited at this event,” Khan said according to a report from The Guardian. His spokesperson called the fair “inappropriate given Israel's ongoing military operation in Gaza.” The move comes after the UK government announced last week that Israeli officials would not be invited to the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition scheduled for next week, citing Israel's ongoing war on Gaza. “The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong,” the British government said on Friday. “As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.” However, the decision does not cover representatives of Israeli defense contractors, who will be allowed to attend the DSEI UK exhibition. Israeli defence companies, such as Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI and Uvision, will still be able to attend. Removing Israel from the arms expo is the latest in a series of steps taken by the British government aimed at pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the genocide in Gaza. Along with the leaders of France and Canada, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to recognise a Palestinian state during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. That summit opens on September 9 – the same day as DSEI in London – and runs until the end of the month. In June, France shut down stands for major Israeli arms companies, including Elbit Systems and Rafael, at the Paris Airshow – the world’s biggest aviation trade fair – for refusing to remove "offensive weapons” from display, including those used in Gaza genocide, which violated terms agreed with Israel.

London Mayor Rejects Hosting Arms Fair Amid Israel’s Gaza Genocide

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