Qatar welcomes Britain’s decision to suspend part of its arms export to Israel

DOHA, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) — Qatar’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday welcomed Britain’s decision to suspend some arms export licenses to Israel.
The decision is an “important step to protect Palestinian civilians, especially children and women,” which would “support the ongoing efforts to end the war in the Gaza Strip,” the ministry said in a statement.
The suspension is “compatible with the resolutions of the Security Council, the UN General Assembly, and the International Court of Justice,” all of which call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the full protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to the region, it said.
Qatar remains committed to offering steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, it said, calling for building an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Earlier on Monday, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed lawmakers in parliament that around 30 licenses, out of a total of approximately 350, were being suspended.
Lammy stated that assessments had indicated a clear risk that British arms could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The British Foreign Office said that a two-month review had raised concerns about Israel’s conduct in the conflict in Gaza. ■