**UK Court Blocks Bid to Stop Israel F-35 Parts Transfer**
The UK’s High Court has rejected a case brought by campaigners seeking to stop the transfer of British-made spare parts for US-produced F-35 fighter jets to Israel. The court ruled that it did not have the constitutional authority to intervene in the matter.
This decision comes after the government suspended about 30 arms export licenses to Israel last September due to concerns over the risk of UK-made weapons being used in violations of international law in the Gaza Strip. However, the UK still supplies components to a global pool of F-35s that Israel can access.
**Campaigners Express Dismay**
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have expressed their disappointment with the ruling. Both groups had intervened in the case and argued that the UK government should take responsibility for its actions under international law.
Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Amnesty International UK, stated: “The horrifying reality in Gaza is unfolding in full view of the world. This judgment does not change the facts on the ground, nor does it absolve the UK government of its responsibilities under international law.”
**Judges’ Ruling**
The two judges presiding over the case ruled that the court was being asked to decide whether the UK should withdraw from a specific multilateral defense collaboration due to concerns over the potential use of UK-manufactured parts in contravention of international law. However, they concluded that this decision is a matter for the executive branch of government, which is democratically accountable to parliament and ultimately to the electorate.
**Industry Response**
Oxfam, which provided evidence to the court, stated: “It is unconscionable that the government would continue to license the sale of components for F-35 jets knowing that they are used to deliberately attack civilians in Gaza and destroy their means of survival.”
The Campaign Against the Arms Trade noted that UK industry makes 15% of every F-35.
**Human Rights Groups Vow to Continue Fight**
Despite the court’s ruling, human rights groups vow to continue fighting for justice. Yasmine Ahmed, UK director of Human Rights Watch, stated: “The atrocities we are witnessing in Gaza are precisely because governments don’t think the rules should apply to them.”
Lawyers for the human rights groups are considering if they can find grounds to appeal.
**Government Response**
A government spokesman said that the court has upheld this government’s thorough and lawful decision-making on the matter. However, the government says it will continue to keep its defense export licensing under review.
The implications of this ruling will be closely watched by those monitoring human rights abuses in Gaza. As Yasmine Ahmed noted: “Judicial deference to the executive in this case has left the Palestinians in Gaza without access to the protections of international law, despite the government and the court acknowledging that there is a serious risk that UK equipment might be used to facilitate or carry out atrocities against them.”
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