Defence Secretary rejects France's call for Israel arms embargo in Gaza war

Defence Secretary John Healey has slapped down Emmanuel Macron's call for a full arms embargo on for weapons used in Gaza.

The French President sparked a row with Prime Minister after calling for a halt to arms exports for use in Gaza. He said this was needed to "stop the mounting violence" on Saturday.

In response Mr Netanyahu branded the French leader a "disgrace." Asked whether he agreed with the French president's view, Mr Healey told Sky News: "No, we work a different system.

"We as a Government don't supply anything directly to Israel, but where there are export licences that have a clear risk that may breach international law, then we've suspended those licences where they could affect the lives in Gaza."

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Last month the UK suspended 30 of its 350 arms export licences to Israel, saying there was a “clear risk” they could be used to breach international humanitarian law. Mr Healey's remarks come on the anniversary of the October 7 attack by Hamas. Foreign Secretary is expected to address the Commons later today to update MPs on the conflict.

Mr Healey said "diplomacy is difficult" but the Government is determined to try to "lead a push for a better peace". Asked whether the last year showed that Britain, the US and the UN do not "really have any influence" over the conflict, the Defence Secretary told Breakfast: "Well, I've had detailed discussions with the defence minister in Israel, Yoav Gallant.

"I've said to him that Israel must do more to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza, the level of those civilian deaths has been intolerable but we're also recognising the right of Israel to be able to defend itself against these terror attacks and against Iran as a country that is sponsoring this terror across the Middle East.

"And yes, of course diplomacy is difficult. There are setbacks, but we are determined that we will continue because that, in the end, is the only way to bring an end to fighting and an end to the anguish that we mark today."

He said the Government is "determined to do what we can to help lead a push for a better peace" in the Middle East. Mr Healey added: "In this memory of the very darkest day a year ago, of the most bleak year for Palestinians and the wider Middle East, and now also in the face of the risk of a wider escalation and a wider war, our determination to maintain our diplomatic efforts, the work in meetings, visits, discussion with allies and with those who we call on to pull back from the fighting, will continue, and the Prime Minister will underline this during the course of today."

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