Since taking office, the UK Labour Government has led international calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of civilians, the release of hostages and the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis.

We acted quickly to restore UK funding to UNRWA after the last Tory government had suspended it. We have also provided £5m in new funding for UK-MED field hospitals in Gaza and a further £6 million for UNICEF’s work to support families bereaved in this conflict.

We have also made it crystal clear that we respect the role and independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

On day one in office, the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP commissioned a thorough review into Israel’s compliance with International Humanitarian Law, given the grave concerns about the conduct and consequences of the war in Gaza for civilians.

The Foreign Secretary’s visit to Israel and the West Bank alongside his French counterpart further demonstrates our commitment to working alongside our international partners, to promote regional security and stability in the Middle East.

The UK’s robust export licensing criteria states that the Government cannot issue export licences if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law.

On completion of our review, we have concluded that a clear risk does exist. This means we are legally obliged to suspend export licences for those items that could be used in the current conflict.

Alongside our allies, we have repeatedly made clear to the Israeli government our deep concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The review found that those concerns had not been addressed.

The Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds MP has therefore announced the suspension of around 30 licences in total – as required under the Export Controls Act. These include equipment that we assess is for use in the current conflict in Gaza such as important components which go into military aircraft, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, and drones, as well as items which facilitate ground targeting.

All the remaining export licences we have assessed are not for military use in the current conflict and therefore do not require suspension.

The situation in Gaza is intolerable and our priority remains achieving an
immediate ceasefire which sees hostages released, civilians protected and aid flood in. We urge all sides to accept the deal to end this war.