British diplomat resigns over UK’s alleged complicity in Gaza war crimes
The British Foreign Office. (Photo via allispossible.org.uk)
A British civil servant has resigned, citing concerns that the U.K. government is complicit in alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza.
This marks the first known resignation of its kind, reflecting internal discontent within the UK Foreign Office over the U.K.’s policies related to the ongoing conflict.
Senior official’s response, letter
Following the resignation, a senior Foreign Office official reportedly sent an email to staff, acknowledging their concerns and promising a forthcoming “listening session.”
The Foreign Office has declined to comment on the resignation.
The resignation letter, allegedly authored by diplomat Mark Smith, was circulated widely after being shared by journalist Hind Hassan on X (formerly Twitter).
In the letter, Smith expressed his inability to continue his diplomatic duties, stating that he can no longer work knowing the U.K. might be complicit in war crimes.
He described his previous role as a penholder in the arms exports licensing assessment process within the Middle East and North Africa Department, positioning himself as an expert in arms sales policy.
Smith’s letter condemned the U.K.’s continued arms sales to Israel, stating that he has raised these concerns at every level within the organization, including through an official whistleblowing investigation, but received only dismissive responses.
The letter ended with a call for other officials to join in raising their concerns about this issue.
Reaction, commentary
Gary Spedding, an independent consultant on Israel-Palestine, described the resignation as a significant development, highlighting the internal discomfort among Foreign Office officials.
He emphasized the legal risks civil servants might face, calling for an urgent policy shift regarding Israel-Palestine.
Francesca Albanese, U.N. Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, praised Smith’s courage, urging more diplomats to follow his example.
Human Rights Watch’s U.K. director, Yasmine Ahmed, also lauded Smith’s decision, quoting George Orwell on the importance of speaking difficult truths.
There have been growing signs of tension within the U.K. civil service over the government’s stance on the Gaza conflict. Earlier reports suggested that as many as 300 Foreign Office staff had formally raised concerns about Britain’s role.
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), representing British civil servants, has also requested a meeting with the Cabinet Office to discuss the implications of the conflict on government employees.
Sources have indicated that the Labour government may consider restrictions on arms sales to Israel.
However, a recent report from The Times suggested the announcement has been delayed as the government reviews evidence regarding U.K.-made weapons possibly used in suspected war crimes.
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