UK Backs Biden's Gaza Ceasefire Call Amid Pressure Over Arms Exports
April 11, 2024UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have expressed support for US President Joe Biden's proposal of a 6-8 week ceasefire in Gaza to allow humanitarian aid.
The conflict in Gaza has escalated into a humanitarian crisis with over 30,000 deaths, including three British aid workers killed by Israeli airstrikes.
Despite international pressure, the UK government has not suspended arms exports to Israel, maintaining more than two dozen active licences for military components.
The government's lack of transparency regarding legal advice on arms exports has drawn criticism from opposition and some Conservative Party members, with calls for an emergency parliamentary debate.
UK foreign secretary Lord Cameron insists the country's stance on arms sales to Israel remains unchanged, even after the death of aid workers in an Israeli airstrike.
Lord Cameron has called for alternative plans to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza and reiterated the UK's commitment to international aid efforts.
US President Biden has publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza conflict, urging an end to hostilities.
The UK government is pushing for Netanyahu to take stronger action to reduce suffering in Gaza.
Lord Cameron visited Washington to push for a financial aid package for Ukraine and defended his meeting with Donald Trump as a routine engagement with opposition politicians.
Summary based on 8 sources
Get a daily email with more World News stories
Sources
BBC News • Apr 10, 2024
Biden says Netanyahu making 'mistake' on Gaza as he calls for ceasefireThe Independent • Apr 10, 2024
Gaza conflict ‘increasingly intolerable’ says Rishi Sunak as he backs Joe Biden’s ceasefire callsU.S. News & World Report • Apr 9, 2024
Britain Will Not Block Arms Sales to Israel, Says UK's Cameron