Arms exports may make UK ‘complicit’ in Gaza deaths

Humzayousafhasurgedthe UK Government to rethink its plans to continue to allow arms exports to Israel – warning it risks being “complicit in the killing of innocent civilians”.

Scotland’s First Minister said it was “difficult to comprehend” that the UK Government has not ended the licensing of arms exports to Israel despite the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, the majority women and children, since last October.

He condemned the attacks by Hamas on October 7 which sparked the conflict but said the response “has gone far beyond any legitimate response”.

Mr Yousaf wrote letters to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak onfebruary23andapril3to raise concerns, and cited in anopenlettersignedbymore than600legalexpertswarningof“potentialukcomplicityingravebreachesofinternational law, including violations of the Genocide Convention”.

Lord Ahmad, minister for the Middle East, responded on April 8 and did not agree to end the licensing of arms exports to Israel, according to Mr Yousaf 's letter.

Inhisreplytolordahmad on April 12, the First Minster wrote: “I welcome the UK Government’s stated commitment to International Humanitarian Law, our diplomats’ contribution to finally achieving a UN Security Council Resolution, and the UK'S wider efforts to bring an end to the tragedy befalling the people of the Middle East . “In spite of everything in your reply, I note you have not agreed to end the licence of arms exports to Israel, which means the UK will continue to arm Israel’s war in Gaza, that has left tens of thousands dead, the majorityreportedtobewomenand children.

“As I said in my letter of April3,bycontinuingtoarm Israel,theukgovernmentis in danger of being complicit in the killing of innocent civilians.