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MP Urges UK Government to Halt Arms Sales to Israel

In a letter addressed today to the Foreign Secretary, Stewart McDonald MP has raised urgent concerns regarding the ongoing crisis in the Israel-Gaza region. Highlighting the grave implications of the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling on potential breaches of the Genocide Convention by Israel, McDonald emphasises the need for immediate action from the United Kingdom.

"The ICJ's findings are deeply troubling," McDonald states, "demanding urgent attention and action from the international community." He stresses the UK's duty as a signatory to the Genocide Convention to prevent genocide and ensure its enforcement. McDonald urges swift support for the ICJ's provisional measures, including an immediate ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Expressing concerns over reports of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law by Israel, McDonald calls for the suspension of all arms exports to Israel.

McDonald's letter outlines specific actions that the UK Government should take, including supporting the ICJ's provisional measures, suspending arms exports to Israel, and introducing a presumption of denial for arms exports to governments listed as human rights priorities. He emphasises the importance of standing on the right side of history and upholding international law and human rights.

Commenting, McDonald said:

"Under international and domestic law, the UK is obligated to prevent the transfer of military equipment where there is a clear risk of facilitating serious violations of international law."

"The loss of life in the Israel-Gaza conflict, the plight of hostages in Gaza, and the urgent need for humanitarian aid for innocent Palestinians are tragic."

"We must stand on the right side of history and demonstrate its commitment to upholding international law and human rights. Failure to act decisively in this matter would be a betrayal of our moral obligations and a stain on our national conscience."

Read the letter from Stewart McDonald to the Foreign Secretary here