SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed confirmation from Foreign Secretary David Lammy that the UK Government will suspend 30 arms export licenses to Israel following the receipt of legal advice that there is a clear risk that exports will be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Mr Eastwood has been urging the new government to take immediate action to suspend arms exports following clear evidence of a genocide in Gaza.

Colum Eastwood MP said:

“Gaza has been reduced to ashes. Entire families and communities have been erased as a result of the appalling genocide being inflicted on Palestinians by Netanyahu’s government. There is no sanctuary - hospitals, schools, playgrounds, family homes all destroyed under an unrelenting, unconscionable bombardment. 

“Governments around the world have been far too slow to respond. We have watched, in real time, as war crimes have been conducted against a civilian population streamed on our televisions and phones. It is a stain on the international community. 

“Today's announcement that the British Government will suspend 30 arms exports licenses is of course welcome. Removing the tools of genocide from a government that has been eager to deploy overwhelming and devastating deadly force against children can only be a good thing. 

“I hope this move is interpreted as a clear statement by Netanyahu and his government. This has to stop now. Hamas must release the hostages they have taken and Israel must abandon its attempt to erode and erase the population of Gaza.”