REACTION: Oxfam responds to Al-Haq court case judgement on UK Government arms sales to Israel

Martin Butcher, Oxfam’s Peace, Conflict and IHL Policy Advisor, responded to the judgement in Al-Haq and GLAN’s appeal against a High Court ruling. The court had previously dismissed their claim against the UK Government over its continued licensing of some arms sales to Israel. He said:

“It is deeply shameful that the Court has today denied Al Haq’s appeal and prevented the UK Government from being held to account for its role in the genocide in Gaza.

“Oxfam previously provided evidence on how Israel has – in contravention of International Humanitarian Law - systematically used water as a weapon of war in Gaza, bombing vital water and sanitation infrastructure. Just one of the ways in which Israel has wreaked death and destruction upon the people of Gaza.

“The UK Government shouldn't wait for further court cases to do the right thing. It must immediately stop all current and new arms licenses to Israel. Only then can it say it is serious about maintaining a lasting ceasefire and justice for Palestine.”

Ends

Notes to editor

Photo: https://oxfamint.resourcespace.com?r=382016&k=b25df4b6ea

Oxfam’s ‘Keir Starmer’ Big Head appeared outside the UK FCDO placing a gift tag reading “More than 52,000 people killed” on a 16-foot replica MK-84 bomb marked “Complicit” on 12 May 2025, in London United Kingdom. The stunt highlights UK complicity in arms sales to Israel. Despite suspending some licences, the UK continues supplying components for F-35 jets used in Gaza. Oxfam is calling for a permanent and effective ceasefire and end to arms exports. (photo by Andy Aitchison)