The High Court in London is currently hearing a legal challenge against the UK government’s arms exports to Israel, particularly focusing on the sale of F-35 fighter jets, due to concerns over their use in bombing Gaza and the resulting impact on civilians. The case, brought by the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and the Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq, is based on human rights grounds, arguing that such exports are contributing to violations of international law.

The challenge follows the UK government’s decision last year to suspend 30 of approximately 350 current arms export licences to Israel, though critical components for the F-35 programme were not included in the suspension. GLAN and Al-Haq are now calling for a total suspension of all arms export licences to Israel, arguing that the UK must do more to prevent complicity in human rights abuses.

In their court filings, the plaintiffs have provided evidence they claim shows Israel’s use of information derived from torture to justify attacks on medical personnel, facilities, and aid workers in Gaza. They argue that this undermines the assurances Israel provided to the UK regarding the lawful use of weapons.

International human rights organisations such as Oxfam GB, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International UK have been granted permission to intervene in the case, lending their support to the call for a halt to the arms exports. The hearings, which are expected to last four days, will conclude with a decision at a later date.

This case is part of a broader debate about the UK’s role in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine and its responsibilities under international human rights law. The outcome of the hearing could have significant implications for the UK’s arms export policies and its relationship with Israel.

Agencies.