SNP calls on Foreign Minister to suspend arms sales to Israel

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

Lammy has said there will be no “blanket ban” on arms sales between Britain and Israel, saying the Middle Eastern country is “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 (below) said he was “relieved” by this week’s decision to resume funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA).

(Image: British Parliament)

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.”

READ MORE: The National says David Lammy MUST publish legal advice on arms exports

O’Hara said that the review of Israel’s compliance with international law has been going on for nine months and that there is no reason to wait for another one.

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.

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.

READ MORE: ‘What are you waiting for?’ Labour criticised for continued secrecy over Israeli arms sales

“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.”