British Diplomat Resigns, Citing UK Complicity in Alleged Israeli War Crimes Through Arms Sales

British envoy steps down, alleging potential UK complicity in war crimes through arms deals with Israel

Mark Smith, formerly serving as the second secretary at the British embassy in Ireland, publicly posted his resignation letter, stating that "the UK's ongoing arms trade with Israel cannot be justified".

Sunday, August 18, 2024, 5:

A UK diplomat has stepped down, alleging that ongoing arms sales to Israel might implicate Britain in war crimes.

Mark Smith, formerly serving as the deputy secretary at the British embassy in Ireland, publicly posted his letter of resignation on the internet.

In the text, he states: "Every day, there are undeniable and evident instances of war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza committed by the state of Israel."

He notes that "high-ranking officials in the Israeli government and military have openly expressed intentions of genocide" and "Israeli soldiers have been recorded intentionally setting fire to, damaging, and plundering civilian properties."

He states in his resignation letter: "I am deeply saddened to end my extensive career in diplomacy, but I cannot continue my role knowing that this Department might be involved in war crimes."

Israel refutes allegations of violating international law, characterizing its actions in Gaza as a legitimate response to the attack by Hamas on October 7.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing accusations of war crimes.

Mr. Netanyahu, currently under fire in Israel for his approach to the ongoing hostage situation in Gaza, expressed his strong repudiation of the allegations, stating he finds them utterly repulsive.

"He has stated that no amount of international pressure or decisions will deter us from targeting those who aim to annihilate us."

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Mr. Smith asserts that his previous role overseeing the evaluation of arms export licenses in the Middle East and North African Department qualifies him as an expert in the field.

"He argues that there is no valid reason for the UK to keep selling arms to Israel, yet the practice persists."

"I have brought this issue to the attention of every tier within the organization, including via a formal whistleblowing inquiry, and have only been acknowledged with a response of 'thank you, we have noted your concern.'"

Government officials assert that the UK boasts one of the strongest and most transparent systems for licensing arms exports globally, but this assertion is far from accurate.

Concluding his letter, he writes, "I hope that we can one day reflect on our past with pride."

According to research conducted by the Campaign Against Arms Trade, based on government export figures, the UK has authorized arms sales exceeding £576 million to Israel since 2008.

In June, the former administration released information showing that from October 7, 2023, to May 31 of the current year, the UK issued 42 licenses to Israel.

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Before his appointment as Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, then serving in the opposition, called on the Foreign Office to release their legal opinion regarding Israel's adherence to international law in Gaza.

A spokesperson from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office stated, "This administration is dedicated to maintaining adherence to international law."

"We have explicitly stated that we will not ship goods if there is a possibility they could be employed to perpetrate or assist in a grave breach of international humanitarian law."

"An ongoing evaluation is underway to determine if Israel adheres to international humanitarian law, initiated by the foreign secretary immediately upon taking office."

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