UK High Court Hears Legal Challenge Over Arms Exports Tied to Gaza War
Starting Tuesday, the UK High Court is set to hear a case to determine the legality of the government’s continued export of arms to Israel. Palestinian rights group Al-Haq and the UK-based Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) brought the case, arguing the government is violating both domestic and international law by supplying parts of F-35 fighter jet components used by Israel in its military operations in Gaza.
Although the UK suspended around 30 arms export licenses last September due to concerns that equipment could be used in violations of international humanitarian law, it made an exception for components of F-35 jets. These parts, indirectly provided to Israel through a global supply chain, are linked to bombing campaigns in Gaza that have led to the deaths of tens of thousands.
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The UK supplies an estimated 15% of the components in the F-35, including critical systems like its laser targeting device. Human rights groups argue that even this indirect involvement implicates the UK in potential war crimes. Amnesty International UK, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam have intervened in the case, citing the UK’s obligation under the Genocide Convention to prevent genocide by halting arms exports when there is a serious risk.
“In creating loopholes to keep Israeli warplanes supplied, the UK Government is not only fueling atrocity crimes—it is running roughshod over UK law and sabotaging international law,” GLAN director Gearóid Ó Cuinn said in a statement. “Our message is clear: no loopholes or political calculation can justify complicity in the destruction of a people.”
The hearing is expected to last four days, with a ruling to follow.
