Three former Supreme Court judges have called on the UK government to stop arms sales to Israel. They made this call in a letter written to the Prime Minister on Wednesday (April 3). The British media reported the news.
The 17-page letter was signed by more than 600 legal experts, barristers, former judges and legal academics. Among them are former Supreme Court judges Lord Sumption and Lord Wilson. Besides, there are 9 more judges and 69 KCs.
The letter warned the Prime Minister that the UK was violating international humanitarian law by sending arms to Israel. The United Kingdom may also be accused of genocide.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been under pressure from international and domestic groups since the Israeli attack in Gaza killed seven aid workers, including three British citizens. The letter was sent to him in the meantime.
The letter also states that the UK needs to take urgent action to avoid serious violations of international law, including possible violations of the Genocide Convention.
The Prime Minister told reporters on Tuesday that the UK has precautionary measures in place in the arms trade. He called for an impartial investigation into the Israeli attack on the death of seven army personnel including British nationals. However, he did not comment on the arms sale.
The United Kingdom lags behind in arms sales compared to other countries including Germany and Italy. The largest arms supplier is the United States. But the UK ban is expected to increase political and diplomatic pressure on Israel. The pressure comes especially at a time when Israel is under renewed international scrutiny for its role in the conflict in Gaza.
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