A British diplomat has resigned over claims continued arm sales to Israel could be making the UK “complicit in war crimes”.
Mark Smith, who worked as second secretary in the British embassy in Ireland, shared his resignation letter online.
In it, he says: “Each day we witness clear and unquestionable examples of war crimes and breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza perpetuated by the state of Israel.”
He adds that “senior members of the Israeli government and military have expressed open genocidal intent” and “Israeli soldiers take videos deliberately burning, destroying and looting civilian property”.
As a result, he writes: “It is with sadness that I resign after a long career in the diplomatic service, however I can no longer carry out my duties in the knowledge that this Department may be complicit in war crimes.”
Israel denies any breach of international law and describes its operations in Gaza as a “just war” in response to Hamas’s 7 October attack.
Palestinians at the site of an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza on Saturday. Pic: Reuters
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has put out an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over allegations of war crimes.
Mr Netanyahu, who is facing criticism within Israel for his handling of the remaining hostages in Gaza, said he “rejects with disgust” the accusations.
“No pressure and no decision in any international forum will prevent us from striking those who seek to destroy us,” he has said.
Read more:
Anger in Lebanon after Israeli strike
Why there’s worry ceasefire could be scuppered
Mr Smith claims he used to preside over the arms export licensing assessment in the Middle East and North African Department, which he says makes him a “subject matter expert”.
“There is no justification for the UK’s continued arms sales to Israel and yet somehow it continues,” he writes.
“I have raised this at every level in the organisation including through an official whistleblowing investigation and received nothing more than ‘thank you we have noted your concern’.
“Ministers claim the UK has one of the most ‘robust and transparent’ arms export licensing regimes in the world, however this is the opposite of the truth.”
Signing off the letter, he says: “I hope that we can look back on history and be proud.”
Since 2008, the UK has licensed arms worth more than £576m to Israel, according to analysis of government export data by the Campaign Against Arms Trade.
In June, the previous government published data on UK licences granted to Israel since 7 October 2023, revealing 42 between then and 31 May this year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Mother and her six children killed in Gaza
While still in opposition, now Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged the Foreign Office to publish its legal advice around whether Israel is complying with international law in Gaza.
A Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “This government is committed to upholding international law.
“We have made clear that we will not export items if they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
“There is an ongoing review process to assess whether Israel is complying with international humanitarian law, which the foreign secretary initiated on day one in office.”