Stop Arming Israel

Why this matters

UK-made weapons and military components are being used in Gaza and the West Bank. They’re used in airstrikes on hospitals, schools and homes. They’re used to enforce occupation, demolish Palestinian homes and kill civilians.

The UK government knows this. And yet arms sales continue.

By allowing these exports, the UK is complicit in war crimes and crimes against humanity. This isn’t just about policy — it’s about Palestinian lives.

The UK’s own rules

The UK has export guidelines designed to prevent arms sales when there’s a risk they’ll be used to violate international law. These guidelines should stop arms exports to Israel if:

• their use would be inconsistent with the UK’s obligations under the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty,
• there is a clear risk the proposed export might be used for internal repression,
• there is a clear risk the items might be used in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law,
• the exports would provoke or prolong armed conflicts or aggravate existing tensions in the country of final destination,
• there is a risk the intended recipient would use the proposed export aggressively against another country or to assert a territorial claim by force.

Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank clearly meet these criteria. If the UK government applied its own guidelines properly, there would be a complete embargo on arms exports to Israel.

What the law says

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israel’s actions in Gaza could plausibly amount to genocide. It has also warned that states must not aid Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory.

Under international law, the UK has a legal obligation to prevent genocide and not to contribute to violations of international humanitarian law. Continuing to supply weapons to Israel violates these obligations.

What the UK government has done

In September 2024, the UK government acknowledged the risk that UK arms are being used in violation of international law in Gaza. In response, they suspended a small proportion of the over 360 active export licences to Israel.

But this isn’t enough. The suspension is partial, selective and inadequate.

• The F-35 loophole
  The government created an exemption for F-35 fighter jets, arguing that parts will continue to be supplied indirectly to Israel via the US-led global programme, citing “international peace and security.” This is a dangerous loophole that undermines the entire suspension.
• Military support continues
  The UK also continues to support Israel militarily through intelligence sharing and training programmes.

Why partial measures don’t work

Temporary ceasefires or partial suspensions do not absolve the UK of its responsibilities. There is an ongoing risk of further violations of international law across Gaza and the West Bank, including through Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territory, which has lasted over 50 years.

The government must not prioritise perceived security interests or economic advantage over its legal and moral obligations. This selective application of the law contributes to devastating and irreparable harm to Palestinians.

What we’re calling for

Amos Trust believes it is vital to listen to, and act upon, the call from Palestinian civil society for a complete military embargo on Israel due to its violations of international law.

We demand:

• a complete end to all UK arms sales and military support to Israel,
• closure of the F-35 loophole,
• an end to intelligence sharing and military training programmes with Israel,
• full compliance with international law and ICJ rulings.

Take action

• Contact your MP
  Demand they call for a complete arms embargo on Israel. Make it clear that partial measures aren't enough.
• Join campaigns
  Connect with organisations like Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) and Palestine Solidarity Campaign who are leading the fight to stop arming Israel.
• Stay informed
  Follow developments in parliament, court cases and campaign actions.
• Speak out
  Share information about UK arms sales on social media, in your community and with your networks.

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We won’t stop until the UK stops

Palestinians are calling for an arms embargo. International law demands it. The UK’s own guidelines require it. The only thing standing in the way is political will. And we can change that.

For calls to action and updates on the campaign to Stop Arming Israel, please visit:

• Campaign Against the Arms Trade
• Oxfam
• Palestine Solidarity Campaign
• War on Want