Israeli air strikes on Gaza have caused widespread destruction, prompting Oxfam and Amnesty International to intervene in a case over the UK government’s approval of arms sales to Israel. The Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and Al-Haq are leading the case, with evidence showing Israel’s non-compliance with legal obligations during armed conflict. The groups are calling for a suspension of arms exports to Israel for use in Gaza, pending a judicial review hearing in October.
The UK had issued over 100 arms export licenses to Israel, including military and non-military equipment, since October. Oxfam criticized the UK’s failure to uphold international law and urged for a ceasefire in Gaza. Human Rights Watch also supported the intervention, highlighting the need to halt arms sales to Israel due to ongoing human rights violations.
International organizations and campaign groups have called for the suspension of arms exports to Israel, citing the high casualties in Gaza. The court’s decision to allow intervention signifies a crucial step towards accountability and justice in the ongoing conflict.