LONDON: Human Rights Watch and other right groups have called on the British government to stop exporting arms to Israel, amid growing concerns that they might be used to commit war crimes against Palestinians in Gaza, Western media reported on Tuesday.
According to Gaza’s health ministry since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas two months ago, 18,412 people have been killed, mostly women and children, amid a deepening humanitarian crisis.
In a detailed letter the groups said that since 2015, British authorities have permitted sales of military arsenal to Israel worth US $595 million, including parts of fighter aircrafts, missiles and tanks, other technology, and small ammunition.
The Israeli raids have almost destroyed entire neighborhoods in northern Gaza. Israeli ground troops have been facing heavy resistance from Hamas fighters in the area.
The letter said that the UK provides almost 15 percent of the components of the F-35 stealth fighter aircraft currently used in Gaza.
UK supplied military equipment to Israel
The letter said that during 2008-09 Gaza War the UK supplied military equipment to Israel and other conflicts in the area.
It referred to 2014 review by former Prime Minister David Cameron of licensed exports to Israel, according to which if hostilities resumed in Gaza, the UK would suspend existing licenses for parts of military equipment used by the military of Israel.
The letter also mentioned provisions of international and British laws that require the government to stop arms transfers if there is a risk that equipment will be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law.
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It added the Israeli military have also used white phosphorus munitions in Gaza putting civilians at grave risk.
According to the UN some 1.87 million Palestinians, over 80 percent of Gaza’s population, have left their homes.
