UK revokes arms-export licences to Israel
By Ian Dunt
Britain has revoked its arms export licence to Israel following its attack on the Gaza Strip at the turn of the year.
The decision follows an announcement in April by foreign secretary David Miliband that he would review all arms exports to Israel in the wake of the Gaza Strip offensive, which drew widespread criticism.
Amnesty International welcomed the news, but said it would keep track of future movements after being let down in the past.
“Given the weight of evidence that Israel committed war crimes in their offensive against Gaza, it is quite right that the UK should revoke any licences of weapons or components that may be used in this way,” said Amnesty International UK campaigns director Tim Hancock.
“We will also be monitoring closely to ensure that the UK does not renege on its promises.
“In the past we have seen a tightening of restrictions against Israel in the wake of a major offensive, only for them to be loosened again once the issue falls out of the public eye.”
An Amnesty report published earlier this month detailed allegations of Israeli brutality during the conflict.
It accused the Israelis of killing hundreds of unarmed Palestinian civilians and destroying thousands of homes.
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