SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has said it is unbelievable that Stormont funding could have supported the building of Israeli planes which caused destruction in Gaza.

It comes after reports Invest NI is funding companies that create parts for F-35 fighter jets used by Israel in bombing.

Mr McGlone was told by the Economy Minister last year that that Invest NI was “not aware” of any companies manufacturing armaments used by the IDF.

Mid Ulster MLA Mr McGlone said:

“When renewed conflict broke out in the Middle East in October 2023 people right around the world were horrified at the images of violence emanating from the region. As the conflict intensified we saw much of Gaza reduced to rubble in indiscriminate bombing campaigns with thousands losing their lives.

“Last year I submitted a number of questions to the then Economy Minister to make sure that no public money was being used, inadvertently or otherwise, to support the manufacturing of armaments being used by the IDF in Gaza. I was assured that Invest NI was not aware of any companies that were being supported in this way.

“It has now come to light that Invest NI supports a number of companies involved in the manufacturing of parts for F-35 fighter jets used by Israel in the bombing campaigns that have killed innocent civilians and razed Gaza to the ground. It cannot be ruled out that funding from the North helped pay for these jets.

“This raises serious questions for the previous and current Minister, the department and Invest NI. People across the North will be rightly outraged to learn that public funding could have been used to arm Israel and we have a right to transparency when it comes to how our money is spent. For the department and Invest NI to claim they did not know about this isn’t good enough and can’t be used as an excuse.”