SNP calls for suspension of arms sales to Israel in letter to Foreign Minister

In a letter to Foreign Minister David Lammy, the SNP reiterated its call for an immediate halt to arms sales to Israel.

The party also said the government should take action now and not wait for further reviews.

Mr Lammy has said there would be no “blanket ban” on arms sales between Britain and Israel, saying the Middle Eastern country was “surrounded by people who want its destruction”.

However, he told the House of Commons that he would examine all issues relating to the use of offensive weapons in the Gaza Strip.

SNP MP Brendan O’Hara said he was “relieved” by this week’s decision to resume funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA).

His letter to the Foreign Minister said: “However, this is the bare minimum of the urgent measures you must take to protect innocent civilians in Gaza.”

The necessary decision you must take cannot only be to mitigate the effects of Israeli bombings and collective punishment, but must put an end to the ability of Israeli forces to commit war crimes with impunity.

“To achieve this, you must take a specific step now. You must immediately suspend the arms licenses to Israel.”

Mr O’Hara said Israel’s compliance with international law had been under investigation for nine months and there was no reason to wait for another investigation.

The Foreign Secretary set out his thoughts on the issue on Friday after a Labour MP tabled an amendment calling for the immediate suspension of export licences for arms supplies to Israel.

Mr Lammy said: “This is one of the toughest places in the world and Israel is a country surrounded by people who would tolerate its destruction.

“It is being attacked by the Houthis, Hezbollah is firing rockets, despite Hamas’ desire to wipe Israel off the map.

“For these reasons, a general ban between our country and Israel would not be right.

“It is true that I am dealing with the issues related to offensive weapons in Gaza in the usual way, following the quasi-judicial process that I have set out.”

Mr Lammy also said on Friday: “Our commitment to international law is clear and we follow the necessary processes.

“As soon as I took office, I tasked officials with a comprehensive review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law and that process is now underway. I will update Parliament again once the process is complete.”