Boris Johnson Slams UK Debate on Ending Arms Sales to Israel as “Shameful” and “Insane” Amid Gaza Conflict

The former British Prime, Boris Johnson Minister, has strongly criticised the ongoing debate in the UK regarding the cessation of arms sales to Israel amidst the prolonged conflict in Gaza.

Israel and Gaza are now in their seventh month of conflict, with Boris Johnson condemning any potential ban on arms sales to Israel as “insane.”

Johnson also aimed Foreign Secretary David Cameron for his apparent silence on the discussion surrounding the UK’s arms trade with Israel.

The tensions escalated when the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of three British aid workers affiliated with the World Central Kitchen (WCK) last Monday.

This tragic incident led MPs from various political parties to call for an end to arms trading with Israel, a sentiment echoed by over 600 lawyers, including former Supreme Court justices, in a signed letter.

However, Israel has since clarified that the airstrike was not intentional, labelling it a “grave mistake” stemming from operational failure, and subsequently, two officers involved in the strikes were dismissed.

Speaking with the Daily Mail, Johnson described the attack as “shattering” but defended Israel’s actions, emphasising that any arms embargo would essentially grant victory to “murderers and rapists.”

Johnson further argued that continued Western support was crucial to prevent Israeli incursions into Rafah and ultimately bring an end to the conflict by weakening Hamas militarily.

He emphasized that Hamas releasing its hostages would lead to the immediate withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces and halt the conflict.

In conclusion, Johnson termed any move to halt arms sales to Israel as “insane” and “shameful,” urging the government to officially denounce such propositions promptly.