No extant license for supplies to Israel, except for F-35 components, UK minister informs parliament

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – The British government assured parliament on Tuesday that there are no active UK export permits for items Israel could use in ways that violate international law.

"There are currently no extant UK export licences," UK Development Minister Anneliese Dodds said during a House of Commons session.

In response to questions from lawmakers, Dodds emphasized and addressed mounting concerns over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, urging immediate action to alleviate suffering in the region.

"The only exception is for F-35 components, which had been previously explained by the foreign secretary," she said.

Dodds told lawmakers that "most UK export licenses to Israel were not related to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)."

"I'm pleased to be able to put that on the record in the House," she said, responding to growing public concern over the UK's role in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli bombings have killed over 42,600 Palestinians and injured nearly 100,000 more.

- 'Very concerned about situation in northern Gaza'

She also underlined the severe food insecurity in Gaza and reiterated the UK government's call for increased humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

"We see people up and down the country who are very concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza," Dodds said, adding, "Clearly, we now have extreme levels of food insecurity. We're very concerned about the situation in northern Gaza."

She emphasized the government's consistent messaging, calling for aid access across the entire region, noting that this has been communicated" to all actors in the region" through the foreign secretary, the prime minister, and other ministers.

Dodds also demanded an immediate cease-fire, the release of Hamas hostages, and increased efforts to allow aid into Gaza.

"The death and destruction in Gaza is intolerable, and we have made that clear at every possible moment," she added, reflecting growing international pressure to de-escalate the conflict.

The minister's comments came as the UK's arms exports to Israel are under increased scrutiny due to concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law.

Since Israel began its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza in October of last year, more than 42,600 Palestinians have been killed, and over 100,000 others wounded, most of them women and children.

Israel is currently facing a genocide case at the ICJ over its actions in Gaza, where millions of Palestinians remain displaced and face severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and other essentials.