Greenpeace is seeking an immediate halt to the sale of any arms that might be used by the Israeli military in Gaza and the West Bank by the UK export ban or arms embargo to avoid any further conflict escalation. We also demand that the UK call for an international ban on the sale of arms to all armed parties to the conflict, including Hamas. We further call for the release of hostages and all unlawfully detained prisoners.
Greenpeace’s call for action comes as organizations such as Amnesty International and the Campaign Against the Arms Trade also raise their voices regarding ongoing violence and a humanitarian crisis.
Humanitarian and Environmental Crisis in Gaza
The conflict between Israel and Palestine, exacerbated by attacks on October 7 by Hamas, has led to what can be described as one of the worst humanitarian disasters. Over 33,000 lives have been taken away, and two million people have been displaced.
The situation has caused substantial environmental destruction by polluted water sources, toxic air, and ravaged land. Such environmental destruction, trailed by continuous violence, threatens to make the region uninhabitable. “This could make the land uninhabitable if the war continues unabated,” experts warn.
The Role of British Weapons in the Conflict
Military exports from the UK to Israel, which have totaled approximately £489 million since 2015, include critical components for helicopters, armored personnel carriers, naval vessels, and F-35 fighter jets. Many of these are reportedly in use in the conflict and raise grave concerns about their role in possible breaches of international law.
The International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel may violate international humanitarian law, particularly under the 1948 Genocide Convention. Recent legal proceedings have proven that the UK government did not adequately consider the potential for breaches when it decided to extend its arms export to Israel. Even the UK deputy foreign minister agreed to the fact that some military actions of Israel could be a potential breach of international law.
What should the UK Government Do?
UK and international law dictate that in circumstances where there is a risk that weapons may be used in war crimes, the government must stop arms exports. Over 600 lawyers, academics, and retired senior judges believe that a legal opinion supports the call for the UK to suspend exports of weapons to Israel. Nothing would be new here; the UK has suspended arms sales to Israel during other conflicts.
Arms licenses were also suspended for equipment considered likely to be used in Gaza in 2009 and 2014 as “precautionary measures.” Countries including the Netherlands, Spain, Canada, Belgium, and Italy have already moved to suspend arms sales and military support to Israel. This year, the US delayed a shipment of bombs to Israel over human rights concerns.
The Impact of an Export Ban
An arms embargo could have helped to minimize the deaths and destruction by reducing the availability of weapons. It would also send an important signal of adherence to international law and protection of civilians.
Although British arms exports to Israel are small as compared to those of other countries, the political and military weight of the UK position might have an essential effect on world attitudes toward the conflict.
Why Greenpeace is Speaking Out
Greenpeace is often recognized for its environmental campaigns; however, our commitment to peace lies inherently in our name. Environmental solutions must be considered to respect human rights to be truly effective.
Our involvement in conflicts opposing the Iraq War to campaigning against arms exports to Saudi Arabia reflects a more profound devotion to environmental and humanitarian causes. By speaking out on this issue, Greenpeace hopes to contribute to an equitable solution and underline that peace and environmental protection go together.
