Oxfam deeply disappointed over High Court judgement on UK arms to Israel

“The judgment is surprising and deeply disappointing. The Court and the Government have both acknowledged that UK arms are at risk of being used in breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza, yet prioritise the supply chains of fighter jets over the lives of Palestinians.

“It is unconscionable that the Government would continue to license the sale of components for F35 jets knowing that they are used to deliberately attack civilians in Gaza and destroy their means of survival, including vital water supplies. In the 10 months since the Government suspended some arms licences to Israel, over 15,000 people in Gaza have been killed, the majority of them women and children.

“There can be no excuse for the UK government’s continued complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity. The UK government should do what is morally right and immediately suspend all arms sales to Israel.

“It must also step up international pressure on the Israeli government to help secure an immediate and lasting ceasefire and allow unimpeded access for humanitarian aid into Gaza. All Israeli hostages must be released.”

Leigh Day solicitor Carolin Ott, who represented Oxfam in its intervention in the Al Haq claim, said:

“Oxfam believes that the evidence it submitted demonstrates an obvious and worsening pattern of attacks by Israel on objects that are indispensable to the civilian population, including critical water and sanitation infrastructure. Coupled with the severe restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza, this has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation and Oxfam provided powerful evidence to the court on the significant civilian harm that has resulted.

"My client is disappointed that the court has not properly grappled with these matters and has instead deferred to the Secretary of State’s assessment that withdrawing from the F-35 programme is not possible due to considerations of international peace and security.

"Whilst my client is considering its options, it believes that the government does not need a court finding to take necessary steps to protect civilian life and calls upon the Secretary of State to reconsider the decision to continue licensing of F-35 components.”

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For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact Sarah Dransfield in the Oxfam Press Office on 07884 114825 / sdransfield@oxfam.org.uk