Britain’s approval of arms export licences to Israel dropped sharply after the start of its military campaign in Gaza, with the value of permits granted for the sale of military equipment to its ally falling by more than 95 per cent to a 13-year low, Reuters reports.

The figures, which have not previously been reported, are based on information provided by government officials to Reuters and data from the Department for Business and Trade’s Export Control unit.

The United States and Germany increased arms sales to Israel after the start of fighting with Hamas.

However, the value of British-approved licences between October 7 and December 31 last year dropped to £859,381, government officials told Reuters. That is the lowest figure for the period since 2010.

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