THE UK Government has ruled out imposing an arms embargo on Israel – despite it shattering a ceasefire deal with Hamas by resuming the bombardment of Gaza.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden ruled out banning more weapon sales to Israel – which are under a partial embargo – saying Britain would instead use “whatever diplomatic influence we have” to restore a ceasefire.
Hospital officials in Gaza said hundreds of Palestinians were killed when Israel resumed bombing raids on the territory in the early hours of Tuesday.
Hamas had refused to accept Israel’s attempts to change the terms of the ceasefire deal, which included Benjamin Netanyahu’s government blocking food and electricity to Gaza in a bid to speed up the release of hostages.
McFadden said Foreign Secretary David Lammy (below) had been speaking for the whole of Government on Monday when he told the Commons that the blockade amounted to a “breach of international law”.
But he added: “We don’t impose an arms embargo. We have arms trade with Israel, and you know, that’s not going to result in an embargo.
“But we’ve said very publicly what we think of that idea of collective punishment. We don’t want to see that happening.”
The British government “will always stick up for Israel’s right to defend itself”, but does not believe that “the cutting off of power and essential supplies to a whole population is justified”, McFadden told Times Radio.
Asked by Labour MP Rupa Huq what the consequences would be for the “provocative action” of blocking aid during the holy month of Ramadan, the Foreign Secretary had told the Commons on Monday: “Well my honourable friend is right.
“This is a breach of international law.
“Israel, quite rightly, must defend its own security, but we find the lack of aid – and it has now been 15 days since aid got into Gaza – unacceptable, hugely alarming and very worrying.”
“We will use whatever diplomatic influence we have to try and get that ceasefire restored as soon as possible,” McFadden told Sky News on Tuesday.
The SNP has said that both swift condemnation and "real consequences" must be enforced on the Israeli Government for their overnight bombardment of Gaza.
The party has consistently called for an end to arms sales to the Benjamin Netanyahu government.
SNP MP Brendan O’Hara said: “In the past week the Israeli Government has broken international law and they have now chosen to breach an already fragile ceasefire – dropping bombs on a civilian population in the ruins of Gaza. “It is clearer by the day that condemnation isn’t enough - the Israeli government will only listen if they face real consequences from the international community for breaking this ceasefire and breaking international law. “The people of Gaza are desperately struggling to rebuild their lives in the rubble that has been left to them. They are once again being asked to live with the threat of more bombs raining down on them whenever the Netanyahu government decides. “The broader context of this is also crucial. As the international community attempts to reach a truce in Ukraine – it is essential that a clear message is sent that those who choose to breach ceasefires will face consequences."
In a statement on Twitter/X, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (above), who now sits as an independent MP, said the Government must end its “complicity in these atrocities” by imposing a full arms embargo and introducing sanctions.
At least 413 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in airstrikes on Tuesday, according to hospital officials.
The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israel’s actions.
The Israeli military ordered people to evacuate eastern Gaza, including much of the northern town of Beit Hanoun and other communities further south, indicating that it could soon launch renewed ground operations.
Asked whether Britain’s efforts had been rendered irrelevant as Israel appears emboldened by US support, McFadden said: “I don’t believe that’s the case.
“I think the UK has diplomatic influence. Obviously we work with allies to try and exercise that influence, but… I still think the UK’s diplomatic voice is counting in a stronger way in the world now than was perhaps the case a year or two ago.”
Over six weeks, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight more in exchange for nearly 2000 Palestinian prisoners in a first phase of the ceasefire.
But since that stage ended two weeks ago, the sides have not been able to agree on a way forward.
Hamas has demanded an end to the war and full withdrawal of Israeli troops in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages.
Israel wants Hamas to release half of the remaining captives in return for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce and has said it will not end the war until Hamas’ governing and military capabilities are destroyed.
