The House of Lords witnessed fiery exchanges as peers pressed the UK government on its position regarding the Gaza conflict, particularly focusing on allegations of ongoing arms sales to Israel and the deepening humanitarian crisis.
Ministers Face Tough Questions
During a tense session, Liberal Democrat peer Lord Scriven demanded transparency, asking whether ministers had seen evidence of potential breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The government maintained its stance that all arms export licenses are kept under careful review.
Humanitarian Concerns Take Center Stage
Labour's Baroness Smith highlighted the devastating impact on civilians, stating: "The scale of suffering in Gaza demands more than cautious statements - it requires decisive action." Crossbench peers joined in calling for greater UK leadership in addressing the crisis.
Government Defends Its Position
In response, Foreign Office minister Lord Ahmad reiterated the UK's commitment to international law while emphasizing the complexity of the situation. "We continue to monitor developments closely," he stated, avoiding direct confirmation of ongoing arms sales.
The debate underscores growing parliamentary unease about the UK's role in the conflict, with calls mounting for a more robust response to protect civilian lives and uphold international legal standards.
