British_support_for_Israel_in_the_Israel–Hamas_war
Following the outbreak of the Israel–Hamas war on October 7th, 2023, the United Kingdom has provided Israel with extensive military and diplomatic support. In response to the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asserted that the United Kingdom "unequivocally" stands with Israel.[1] The UK also issued an "unequivocal condemnation" of Palestinian militant group Hamas[2] and deployed British Armed Forces personnel and assets to the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel.[3]
The United Kingdom solidly aligns itself with the United States throughout the conflict, which has also given significant support to Israel, abstaining from three ceasefire resolutions put forth by the United Nations Security Council calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.[4] This stance has led the United Kingdom to face increasing isolation along with the United States and Israel as global calls for a ceasefire intensify.[5] British ministers have openly endorsed Israel's forced evacuation orders and unlawful collective punishment of the Gaza Strip, without condemning any of Israel's policies despite the mounting death toll.[6]
According to the Campaign Against Arms Trade, the UK has granted arms export licences to Israel amounting to £574 million ($727 million) since 2008, including £42 million ($53 million) in 2022.[7] Despite growing calls from various international organizations, over 600 members of the British legal profession, and three former senior British judges who argue that the UK's arms sales to Israel violate international law,[8] Foreign Secretary David Cameron said on April 9th, 2024, that the United Kingdom will not cease its arms sales to Israel.[9] International human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch have criticized the UK for its military and diplomatic support to Israel, arguing that such support could render the UK complicit in Israeli war crimes and genocide.[10][11] As of April 2024, it is estimated that the conflict has resulted in the killing of over 34,000 Palestinians.[12]