MP calls for total ban on arms sales

FREDDIE van Mierlo has called for the total ban of arms sales to Israel on the two-year anniversary of the conflict in Gaza.

The Henley MP said that the UK Government had an obligation not to be complicit in what a United Nations commission of enquiry last month deemed a genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Tuesday marked two years since Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.

Since Israel launched a military campaign in retaliation to the attacks, 64,964 people in Gaza have been killed, with much of the population repeatedly displaced. More than 90 per cent of the homes are said to be damaged or destroyed.

This week, negotiators representing both sides met in Egypt to discuss a new 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.

As well as the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the plan proposes a temporary transitional body of Palestinian technocrats overseen by a “Board of Peace” to govern Gaza on an interim basis.

Mr van Mierlo said that the UK government hadn’t done enough to ban arms sales to Israel.

Current restrictions prohibit the sale of military goods which might be used in Israel’s current operations in Gaza.

But Mr van Mierlo said the sale of all weapons and components, including those used in the manufacturing of F-35 jets, should be banned.

He said: “The UK is not a significant arms provider for Israel in terms of volume but it would send an important signal that we don’t accept or tolerate the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza.

“The UN believes a genocide is happening in Gaza and the UK has obligations not to be complicit with potential genocide and so it is incumbent on the Government to ensure the UK has no role in that.”