Amidst the ongoing genocidal war in Gaza, the British government announced the suspension of 30 arms export licences to Israel due to concerns over violations of international humanitarian law. While some see this as a step in the right direction, it falls short of the duty to impose a full arms embargo on Israel, as reiterated by the International Court of Justice and UN Human Rights Council.
The British government’s rationale for the suspension is questioned, as it aligns with NATO’s anti-terrorism framework and prioritizes alliance commitments over international law. Despite evidence of Israel’s violations, the UK continues to supply parts for fighter jets used against civilians, citing “wider peace and security.”
The refusal of NATO members to fully comply with international law, including the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Canada, highlights the normalization of complicity in the genocide of Palestinians. The US, the largest arms exporter to Israel, continues to send weapons despite evidence of civilian casualties.
Overall, the continuous flow of weapons to Israel during war crimes is itself a crime, disregarding international law and human rights. The power dynamics within NATO perpetuate this cycle of illegality, emphasizing geopolitical and economic interests over justice and peace.
Note: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.