The UK government has blocked an Israeli delegation. This decision concerns a major arms fair. Consequently, the Israeli government will not attend. The event is the DSEI defence exhibition in London. Officials made this move due to the ongoing Gaza military operation. A government spokesperson explained the reasoning clearly. They stated the Israeli escalation is wrong. Therefore, no official invitation will be issued.
Therefore, Israel’s defence ministry reacted strongly. It called the UK’s decision discriminatory. Furthermore, the ministry deemed the act regrettable. As a result, Israel will withdraw its national pavilion. However, individual Israeli defence firms can still exhibit. These companies will receive full government support from Israel.
Moreover, UK leaders have grown increasingly vocal. They criticize Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Recently, Israel planned to expand its war. This plan included taking over Gaza City. The UK government spokesperson emphasized a need for diplomacy. They insist on an immediate ceasefire now. Additionally, hostages must return home safely. A surge in humanitarian aid is also essential.
Furthermore, the DSEI event is Britain’s flagship defence show. It occurs every two years in London. Hundreds of global firms display military hardware. The UK government backs this event. It also invites foreign officials to attend. Israel’s defence ministry criticized the UK’s move. It said politics should not influence a professional exhibition.
Meanwhile, activist groups planned protests. The Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) commented. It called the UK’s action cowardly and symbolic. A coordinator said the UK government did not pull the plug. Instead, Israel itself withdrew. The group criticized the welcome for firms like Elbit. It accused the government of safeguarding arms profits.
The Liberal Democrats also responded. Their defence spokesperson criticized the move. She said it is not a substitute for an arms ban. Anything less is a dereliction of duty, she argued. She stressed the need to end the human catastrophe.
The conflict began in October 2023. Hamas-led attackers killed about 1,200 people in Israel. They also took 251 hostages to Gaza. Israel launched its offensive in response. The Hamas-run health ministry reports high casualties. It says over 62,000 people have died. Sadly, this includes many children.
Furthermore, the UN reports a severe aid restriction. Experts confirm famine in some areas. Over half a million people face starvation. Israel denies these reports. It defends its Gaza military operation as a necessary fight. The UK government continues to pressure Israel. It wants an end to the devastating Gaza military operation.
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