Palestinian rights groups decry ‘disappointing’ UK court ruling on arms sales to Israel
Palestinian rights groups have described as “disappointing” a recent London High Court ruling that dismissed their legal challenge to the transfer to Israel of British-made spare parts for US-produced F-35 fighter jets.
The case, brought by al-Haq, a group based in the Israelه-occupied West Bank and the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) against the Department for Business and Trade, was rejected on Monday. The UK’s High Court ruled that it lacked the constitutional authority to intervene in the government’s arms export decisions.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, al-Haq and GLAN stated that they are considering appealing the decision.
“The court’s decision, which continues to allow the UK to arm Israel through the F-35 carve-out, is disappointing; however, our teams are looking into whether to appeal the judgment.”
They said that the ruling “does not affect the UK government’s obligation under international law to prevent genocide and atrocity crimes,” adding that the responsibility to act now lies with Parliament.
Joint statement from GLAN and @alhaq_org: The court will not decide - Parliament must act to end UK arms for Gaza genocide https://t.co/VHHjceJxiG #stoparmingisrael
— GLAN | Global Legal Action Network (@GLAN_LAW) July 1, 2025
The court concluded that it is “Parliament’s role, not the court’s,” to scrutinize whether the government’s decision to continue arming Israel through the F-35 program complies with international law.
The legal challenge raised serious concerns that Britain may be complicit in Israel’s genocide in Gaza, as it continues to supply weapons and military components, most notably for F-35 fighter jets, used in attacks that have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians since October 2023.
In its ruling, the court said the Business Minister, Jonathan Reynolds, was “faced with the blunt choice of accepting the F-35 carve-out or withdrawing from the F-35 program and accepting all the defense and diplomatic consequences which would ensue.”
While the UK government has argued that pulling out of the program could damage its standing with the US and NATO, human rights organizations warn that continued arms transfers undermine international law and accountability amid Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Amnesty International UK, said in an earlier statement that the court’s decision “does not change the facts on the ground, nor does it absolve the UK government of its responsibilities under international law.”
“The horrifying reality in Gaza is unfolding in full view of the world,” he added.
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn also condemned the court’s decision, calling it “truly shameful.”
Corbyn said, “It remains a moral disgrace that this government allows the supply of parts to F-35 jets, used to kill Palestinian men, women and children.”
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