Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken out against the prospect of an arms embargo on Israel following recent airstrikes in Gaza, calling the idea ‘insane’ and ‘shameful’. His stance contradicts some within his party and international calls for reassessment of arms sales to Israel amidst civilian casualties.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has publicly criticised the concept of imposing an arms embargo on Israel in light of recent airstrikes in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of three British aid workers. Johnson, challenging the silence of Foreign Secretary David Cameron on this matter, described the notion of halting UK arms sales to Israel as “insane” and “shameful”. He voiced concerns that such an embargo would inadvertently benefit groups he described as “murderers and rapists”, presumably referring to militant groups opposing Israel. Johnson’s views found an echo in comments made by Conservative chairwoman Alicia Kearns, who, contrary to Johnson, suggested that the UK government should suspend arms sales amid increasing scrutiny over the use of British-made weapons in the conflict.
This development comes amidst heightened global scrutiny over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with recent Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) strikes resulting in civilian casualties, including aid workers. Internationally, there have been calls from various quarters, including legal experts and political figures within the UK, for a reassessment of arms trading policies with Israel.
In addition, the US has heightened its security alert in the Middle East in anticipation of potential retaliatory attacks by Iran, following an Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria. These tensions are amidst the backdrop of the Israeli military taking disciplinary actions against officers involved in drone strikes in Gaza and demands for an independent investigation into these strikes by World Central Kitchen, whose vehicles were targeted.
The UN Human Rights Council has called for a cessation of all arms sales to Israel, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Questions have also been raised about Israel’s military tactics, including the use of artificial intelligence in targeting, leading to calls for more stringent international regulations and oversight.
As diplomatic efforts intensify to reach a ceasefire and a hostage deal, with negotiations expected in Cairo involving US and Israeli representatives, the international community continues to closely monitor the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
