Oxfam reaction to High Court ruling on UK arms to Israel case

In response to a ruling today from the High Court, confirming it will hear a case against the UK Government for its decision to allow the sale of some arms to Israel to continue despite the fact they could be breaching International Humanitarian Law, Oxfam’s Head of Policy, Helen Stawski said:

“Oxfam welcomes the Court’s decision to hear this vital case in May, but given the Government has acknowledged that Israel is breaching International Humanitarian Law in Gaza, it must immediately suspend all arms sales to Israel, rather than waiting for the court’s judgment.

“Leaving a loophole for F35 components is unconscionable and out of step with the Government’s domestic and international legal obligations, which it is still required to meet even with the current pause in hostilities. 

“Oxfam has witnessed first-hand war crimes and crimes against humanity that have brought devastating destruction to lives and civilian infrastructure in Gaza. We are delighted that the Court recognised Oxfam's right to intervene in this case, and the value of our evidence. It is shocking that despite recognising that Israel has committed these crimes, the Government  is still refusing to suspend all arms sales. ” 

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