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<p>The UK aims to have one of the most rigorous and transparent export licence regimes
in the world with strict criteria governing the provision of licences. On 11 August
the British Government announced the findings of its review of licensed exports to
Israel. It found that the vast majority of exports currently licensed for Israel are
not for items that could be used by Israeli forces in operations in Gaza in response
to attacks by Hamas. <br><br>However, twelve licences were identified for components
which could be part of equipment used by the IsraelI Defence Forces in Gaza. Currently
there is a ceasefire in place and the Government continues to urge both sides to respect
this and to secure a lasting end to hostilities through the negotiations taking place
in Cairo. However, in the event of a resumption of significant hostilities, the Government
is concerned that it would not be able to clarify if the export licence criteria were
being met. It would therefore suspend these licences as a precautionary step.</p>
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