UK Rebuffs Genocide Claims, Defends F-35 Exports Amid Gaza Conflict
The United Kingdom has formally rejected assertions that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, reaffirming its decision to continue supplying components for the global F-35 fighter jet programme, while maintaining a suspension on direct arms exports that could be used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the ongoing conflict.
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| Image Source: White House |
Lammy stated that “the crime of genocide occurs only where there is specific ‘intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group,’” and affirmed that “the Government has not concluded that Israel is acting with that intent.”
The correspondence followed queries from the Committee about the UK’s legal obligations under the Genocide Convention in relation to arms exports--particularly F-35 components that are part of a multinational supply chain and are believed to be used by Israel in its operations in Gaza.
According to the government’s position, as set out in the Al Haq Judicial Review and shared with parliamentary committees, the duty to prevent genocide arises only when the UK becomes aware--or should have become aware--of a serious risk of genocide.
Lammy cited the case law of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), specifically referencing the Bosnia v. Serbia judgment, to support the UK’s legal interpretation.
Lammy acknowledged the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, including high civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, but maintained that such suffering, while appalling, does not meet the legal threshold for genocide.
“The UK has carefully considered the risk of genocide, including when permitting exports to the F-35 global programme,” the letter read, but concluded: “The Government has not concluded that Israel is acting with that intent.”
The UK government reiterated that it has suspended all direct arms exports to Israel that might be used in Gaza since September 2024, following a review conducted shortly after Labour assumed office.
The only exception to this embargo is the UK’s participation in the global F-35 programme, which involves over 1,000 aircraft and 17 partner nations. The UK views the programme as essential to NATO deterrence and European security amid heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia.
While the ICJ is currently considering a genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel, the UK does not interpret the court’s provisional measures--which include orders for humanitarian access--as creating an obligation to halt participation in the F-35 programme.
The government notes that the ICJ has not yet ruled on the merits of the case or concluded that Israel is plausibly committing genocide.
Important discussion with President Abbas on the urgent need to end the suffering in Gaza, with an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and an unrestricted flow of aid.
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) September 8, 2025
The Palestinian Authority & its reform agenda are vital to peace and a two state solution. pic.twitter.com/UFGziDtKOf
The new Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, who replaced Lammy in the recent reshuffle, echoed concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a public statement following a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Cooper said: “Important discussion with President Abbas on the urgent need to end the suffering in Gaza, with an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and an unrestricted flow of aid. The Palestinian Authority & its reform agenda are vital to peace and a two-state solution.”
The UK's dual-track approach--upholding its defence obligations within international alliances while suspending direct arms exports to Israel--shows a cautious legal and political balance. As the conflict in Gaza continues and international legal proceedings unfold, pressure on the UK’s arms policy is expected to intensify.