Why is Oxfam involved in a court case on UK arms sales to Israel?
Oxfam has been given permission by the High Court to provide evidence in a court case brought against the UK government over arms sales to Israel. Here's why.
Who is taking the UK government to court over arms sales to Israel?
Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq and the UK-based Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) have filed a legal challenge to the UK government’s continued arms sales to Israel. The case is supported by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians.
The case will focus on the government’s decision to continue allowing the sale of parts for F-35 fighter jets, even though they have admitted that Israel is committing serious violations of international law in Gaza.
The UK has obligations under domestic and international law, to stop issuing licences for arms sales if there is a clear risk they might be used to commit serious violations of international law.
Why is Oxfam involved in the court case?
As a humanitarian organisation operating in Gaza, Oxfam applied to provide evidence in this case, and has been given permission by the High Court to do so.
This will include detailed information on the widespread destruction of Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) infrastructure, evidence of attacks on humanitarian aid workers, and restrictions on vital humanitarian aid delivery.
Oxfam has a long history of speaking out against the sale of weapons that might be used to target civilians and destroy vital infrastructure in conflicts. Most recently, we've campaigned against the UK's export of arms to Saudi Arabia for use in the Yemen conflict, including by supporting legal action against the government by Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT).
Oxfam is also involved in cases challenging arms sales to Israel in the Netherlands, Denmark and Belgium.
Why take legal action?
Even amid rising public concern and pressure, the UK continues to allow some arms sales. So, campaigning organisations are using various methods to keep pressure on the government to stop arms being sold to Israel. This includes taking legal action.
Earlier this year, Oxfam and others launched a petition in the Netherlands, that led to a court ordering the Dutch state to stop exporting F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel. Oxfam's evidence was a key factor in these cases.
This court case could lead the UK to suspend arms sales either because of political and public pressure, or a legal ruling from the Court.
What are the relevant UK arms laws?
Oxfam campaigned for nearly twenty years to bring the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) into being in 2014, with the aim of preventing human suffering and putting people’s lives and safety before the profits of arms companies.
In this case, campaign organisations will refer to the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. This brings together all the obligations the UK must meet under domestic and international law – including those agreed within the ATT.
What is the process with the court?
This case will be heard in the High Court in the UK, which has the power to conduct judicial reviews. This means the Court will review the decision-making process of the UK government, and rule whether they have acted unlawfully by continuing to export some arms to Israel.
The hearing will take place in May 2025, with the judgement likely coming several months afterwards.
What needs to happen next?
The UK government needs to respect and uphold international law, and stop ALL current and new arms licenses while Israel keeps committing serious violations of international law. To not do so could leave the government open to complicity in war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
What can you do to help?
Here are a few ways you can take action and stay up to date:
- Find out more about UK arms sales to Israel
- Sign our petition calling on the UK government to stop ALL arms sales to Israel now
- You can learn more about UK arms sales to Israel from Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT)
