Keir Starmer has dominated out a whole ban on UK arms gross sales to Israel – however warned that the Center East can not endure one other yr of battle.
Talking on the primary anniversary of the Hamas terror assaults on Israel which killed greater than 1,200 harmless civilians, the prime minister insisted the nation had the suitable to defend itself.
However because the dying toll continues to rise in Gaza and Lebanon, Starmer urged all sides within the battle to “step again from the brink” earlier than it’s too late.
The federal government sparked outrage final month by saying that round 30 arms exports licences to Israel have been being suspended, out of a complete of round 350.
Within the Commons on Monday, unbiased MP Zarah Sultana known as on the PM to go even additional.
She mentioned: “In mild of Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza, the violence within the West Financial institution and invasion of Lebanon, I ask the prime minister if he believes Israel’s proper to self defence justifies a dying toll, in keeping with analysis by US medical professionals who work in Gaza, has now surpassed 118,000, in addition to the two,000 individuals killed in Lebanon.
“Will he do what’s morally and legally proper and finish the federal government’s complicity in battle crimes by banning all arms gross sales to Israel, together with F-35 fighter jets, not simply 30 licences. Sure or no?”
The PM replied: “No. However it’s a actually critical level. Banning all gross sales would imply none for defensive functions, on the anniversary of October 7 and days after an enormous assault by Iran into Israel, could be the incorrect place for this authorities and I can’t take it.”
In an announcement marking one yr on from the October 7 Hamas assaults, Starmer mentioned: “We help Israel’s proper to defend herself in opposition to Iran’s aggression in keeping with worldwide legislation.”
However he added: “The area can not endure one other yr of this.
“Civilians on all sides have suffered an excessive amount of. All sides should now step again from the brink and discover the braveness of restraint.”
He mentioned Hamas’ actions on October 7 have been supported by Iran, which performed a “malign function” within the area, additionally backing Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and the Yemen-based Houthis.
The prime minister mentioned the primary anniversary of the assault was a “day of grief” for the broader Center East.
“Over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, tens of 1000’s orphaned, nearly two million displaced, dealing with illness, hunger, desperation, with out correct healthcare or shelter.
“It’s a dwelling nightmare and it should finish.”
