Over 600 lawyers, legal academics, and former members of the British judiciary have collectively penned a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, expressing concerns about the UK Government's compliance with international law regarding arms exports to Israel.
The letter, delivered on Wednesday, emphasizes the need for 'serious action' to prevent UK complicity in potential violations of international law, including the Genocide convention. It acknowledges the UK Government's efforts to call for a cessation of hostilities and facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza but criticizes the continued sale of weapons to Israel and threats to suspend aid to UNRWA.
Signed by prominent legal figures, such as three former supreme court justices, the 17-page letter intensifies pressure on Sunak following the recent deaths of three British citizens in an Israeli air strike.
In response, Sunak assured the public that the government maintains a vigilant approach to arms licensing, noting that defense exports to Israel amount to £42 million ($53 million), a relatively small portion compared to US exports.
The letter underscores the importance of upholding international legal obligations and calls for immediate action to address concerns over arms exports to Israel.
