Toronto, September 4, 2024 – Save the Children and Oxfam have today unveiled a powerful new film, narrated by Hollywood actor David Harewood, that exposes the UK’s continuing role in the devastating conflict in Gaza, following only a partial suspension of 30 out of 350 arms export licenses for military equipment to Israel.
The film highlights how British-made components are being used in F-35 fighter jets, currently deployed by Israeli forces in Gaza, to drop bombs which have contributed to the deaths of over 14,000 of children, and widespread destruction of homes, schools and hospitals.
David Harewood, known for his roles in Homeland, Blood Diamond, and The Night Manager voices the film, providing a chilling narration that underscores the devastating consequences of the UK’s arms exports.
The piece combines the filming of a model F-35 jet with devastating footage from Gaza to highlight the toll of these attacks, which have killed and injured thousands of children in 11 months of war, making it the deadliest place on earth to be a child.
Excerpt from the Film:
“This is the F-35 fighter jet— a marvel of modern engineering. Enhanced by British ingenuity, with 15% of its parts manufactured right here in the UK, ensuring each F-35 is fast, sleek, and mission-ready.”
But that’s not the full story … right now, F-35 jets are being used by the Israeli forces to unleash horror on children in Gaza. Dropping bombs on their homes, schools and hospitals – right in front of our eyes. This means British-made parts are in fighter jets bombing children.
More than 14,000 children have been killed in 11 months. And many more are still buried under the rubble. Gaza is now the deadliest place in the world to be a child.
The UK is obligated to suspend all arms sales to Israel given the clear risk that weapons are being used to break international humanitarian law. Failure to do so means that the UK is currently complicit in the killing of children in Gaza.
In Monday’s announcement, The UK government rightly recognized the clear risk that the Government of Israel is breaking international humanitarian law and announced a partial suspension of arms licenses.
However, the UK’s legal commitments are unequivocal and only a full suspension will meet them. F-35 aircraft parts remain exempt from the arms sales ban, despite 15% of these parts being manufactured in the UK and their active use to bomb and kill civilians in Gaza.
The UK government has a legal and moral duty to uphold international humanitarian law and protect children, including by following its own rules on arms sales. The film demands the full suspension of all arms licenses and exports to Israel given the clear risk that they could be used to commit violations of international humanitarian law – and to save the lives of innocent children.
David Harewood, OBE, said:
“By lending my voice to this campaign, I hope to shed light on the UK’s ongoing role in this tragedy unfolding before our eyes. As a father and a human being, I can’t stand by while innocent children in Gaza continue to suffer and lose their lives every single day. I urge the UK Government to take immediate action and stop UK-made components playing any part in this brutal bombing campaign.”
Alison Griffin, Head of Conflict & Humanitarian Campaigns at Save the Children, said:
“The UK must not be complicit in a ruthless bombing campaign that has claimed over 14,000 innocent children’s lives in less than a year. Our staff witness the devastating impact of these bombs on children every day— amputating limbs to save lives, treating severe head injuries, and witnessing the untold mental scars on future generations.
For nearly two months under the new UK government, and nine months prior, the world has seen the clear risk of Israel violating international humanitarian law. Now is not the time for half measures. The UK must uphold its commitment to international law, suspend all arms exports to Israel, and work relentlessly to secure an immediate, definitive ceasefire.”
LINK TO FILM HERE – www.contenthubsavethechildren.org/Package/2O4C2S0Q09VQ
INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_fNYvtMf_T/?igsh=MWt4dDk2dDA4MG9yeg==
Charities call for full suspension of UK arms sales to Israel over clear risks of violations of International Humanitarian Law
Media Contact
For additional information please contact Julie Marshall, Senior Manager, Media:
About Save the Children
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Canada and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.