The UK government faced a fresh legal challenge on May 13th as rights groups and non-governmental organisations accused it of violating international law, Middle East Eye reported.
The NGOs argue that continuing to supply fighter jet parts to Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza incriminates the UK. The Palestinian rights group Al-Haq is leading the case and has been supported by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Oxfam, and other organisations.
Lawyers representing Al-Haq opened a case at London’s High Court seeking to halt the export of UK-made components used in the US-manufactured Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, Al-Monitor reported on May 13th.
The aircraft reportedly relies on multiple parts produced in Britain – including its refuelling probe, ejector seat, and fan propulsion system.
The lawyers said there is a “clear risk” these weapons would be used to carry out violations of international law. Roughly 50 protesters were outside the court, waving flags of Palestine and holding signs that read: “STOP ARMING ISRAEL: STOP THE GENOCIDE.”
The case follows mounting pressure on Western governments to suspend military support for Israel following the countries assault on Gaza, launched in response to the October 7th Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza has since killed over 52,800 people, the majority civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The UK government had suspended roughly 30 arms export licenses, following a review of Israel’s adherence to international humanitarian law. However, it has not halted the supply of F-35 components.
“The United Kingdom is not a bystander. It is complicit, and that complicity must be confronted, exposed and brought to account,” said Al-Haq general director, Shawan Jabarin.
Amnesty International’s UK chief executive Sacha Deshmukh added that by continuing to allow these exports, the UK had failed to uphold its legal obligation under the Genocide Convention “to do everything within its power to prevent genocide.”
In its defense, the UK government argued that suspending licensing for F-35 parts would prejudice “the entire global F-35 programme, due to its strategic role in NATO and wider implications for international peace and security.”
The government stressed the UK had acted “in a manner consistent with [their] legal obligations.” Lawyers for the Global Action Legal Network (GLAN), however, said the F-35 exemption was as a “loophole” and accused the government of knowingly departing from its own laws to continue arming Israel.
The four-day hearing is part of a long-running legal effort to hold the UK accountable for its arms sales during the Gaza conflict. A ruling is not expected immediately.
Middle East Eye, Al-Monitor
+ There are no comments
Add yours