“Very comfortable with support we give to Israel,” says British foreign secretary amid war on Gaza

London (Quds News Network)- British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was “comfortable” with Britain’s military support for Israel following news that the UK will suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel.
Lammy was questioned in parliament by former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on what role Britain played in flying surveillance aircraft over Gaza and if the British army base in Cyprus was being used as a staging point for flights to Israel.
Corbyn also asked Lammy what effect the suspension of some arms contracts with Israel will have on its ability to “continue the bombardment of Gaza”.
Lammy responded by saying that British arms exports amount to about 1 percent and that the US, Germany and others are “much more engaged in the selling of arms to Israel.”
Lammy added that he would not comment on “operational issues”.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said UK arms exports amount to about 1 percent and that the US, Germany and others are “much more engaged in the selling of arms to Israel.” pic.twitter.com/1Hfzm72bby
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) September 3, 2024
“The assessment I have received leaves me unable to conclude anything other than that for certain U.K. arms exports to Israel, there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law,” Lammy told MPs in the House of Commons as he announced the suspension of arms sales to Israel.
The Cabinet minister argued that Israel could “reasonably do more” to ensure food and medical supplies reach civilians in Gaza facing an “appalling humanitarian situation.”
He also said the government is “deeply concerned by credible claims of mistreatment of detainees.”
On two trips to Israel during his time in office, Lammy made his own assessments that there are serious concerns about Israel’s compliance.
“This is not a blanket ban, this is not an arms embargo,” Lammy stressed in the Commons.