UK Resumes Arms Sales to Israel, Hails Its 'Commitment to Human Rights'
The New Arab reports that UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle indicated arms sales could resume, pending a 're-evaluation' of Israel's conduct, particularly if a 'second phase of ceasefire' begins. This 're-evaluation' seems to gloss over the 35,000+ Palestinian deaths, according to figures from Gaza's health ministry, directly facilitated by weapons whose components might, just might, be traced back
to the UK. While London's Treasury struggles to fund its own public services, its defense industry quietly enjoys a boom supplying a conflict zone (the UK approved £430 million in arms exports to Israel since 2015, according to Campaign Against Arms Trade). One might wonder if 'commitment to human rights' now means an unwavering commitment to continue weaponizing a region, while issuing polite
suggestions about 'de-escalation.' The historical pattern of UK arms sales fueling conflicts, only for politicians to then express 'deep concern' for the resulting humanitarian crises, suggests a convenient amnesia. Perhaps the next 're-evaluation' will include a mandatory ethics seminar for arms manufacturers, or better yet, for the politicians who sign off on these deals.