Former British Army generals back call to suspend arms sales to Israel amid Gaza conflict

A group of senior military and foreign policy experts have written to the Prime Minister calling for the UK to immediately suspend arms sales to Israel.

Signatories to the letter include Brigadier John Deverell CBE, former Senior British Officer Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Major General Charles Vyvyan, former defence attaché in Washington.

The group claims the weaponry is being used in ways that violate international humanitarian law.

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The letter says: "The UK has licensed at least £489m worth of military exports to Israel since 2015, including components for combat aircraft, missiles, tanks, small arms and ammunition.

"For example, the F-35 stealth bomber aircraft, containing many UK-made parts, is being used to devastate parts of Gaza, causing immense suffering and destruction.

"Our concern is heightened by the recurring misuse of these arms, risking UK complicity in war crimes.

"This not only leads to immense human suffering but also challenges the UK's commitment to the Arms Trade Treaty and national laws."

The outbreak of violence after the Hamas attacks on Israel in October has seen over 30,000 lives lost in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The signatories to the letter are calling for the Israeli Defence Force to cease operations in the territory and for the UK Government to ensure weapons are not being used in violation of international humanitarian law.