Boris Johnson has accused Keir Starmer of “wanting Hamas to win” after the federal government introduced it was suspending some arms gross sales to Israel.
The previous prime minister hit out amid a mounting backlash over the choice, which overseas secretary David Lammy introduced within the Commons on Monday.
Lammy stated there was “a transparent threat” of the UK-made weapons getting used to interrupt worldwide humanitarian legislation in Gaza.
He stated that round 30 arms exports licences to Israel are being suspended, out of a complete of round 350.
Writing on X on Tuesday morning, Johnson stated: “Hamas remains to be holding many harmless Jewish hostages whereas Israel tries to forestall a repeat of the seventh October bloodbath. Why are Lammy and Starmer abandoning Israel? Do they need Hamas to win?”
His criticism echoes that of Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mervis, who stated the federal government’s determination “beggars perception”.
Additionally writing on X, he stated: “As Israel faces down the specter of Iran and its proxies, not simply to its personal individuals, however to all of us within the democratic west; this announcement feeds the falsehood that Israel is in breach of Worldwide Humanitarian Regulation, when in actual fact it’ll extraordinary lengths to uphold it.
“Sadly, this announcement will serve to encourage our shared enemies. It won’t assist to safe the discharge of the remaining 101 hostages, nor contribute to the peaceable future we want and pray for, for all individuals within the area and past.”
Responding to Johnson’s feedback on Radio 4′s As we speak programme, defence secretary John Healy stated: “It is a authorities with an obligation to the rule of legislation. This isn’t a call about pleasing any aspect on this.
“After I spoke with the Israeli defence minister yesterday, I defined that we had a dedication to comply with the rule of legislation, however I additionally made clear that the UK stands robust with Israel, and we’re resolute in our dedication to help their proper to self-defence.”
