Rights groups criticise Israeli violence and call for action on arms sales

Amnesty International and the Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT) have slammed Israeli violence in Jerusalem and Gaza, with the latter calling for an end to arms sales to Israel.

In a statement Amnesty said Israel was using "abusive and wanton force against largely peaceful Palestinian protesters" in east Jerusalem.

The group described the police response to protests over the Sheikh Jarrah expulsions and the al-Aqsa Mosque as "disproportionate and unlawful", accusing security forces of "unprovoked attacks on peaceful demonstrators". 

CAAT also issued a statement calling on the UK government to end its sale of arms to Israel over the country's bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

"These terrible air strikes have further added to the many years of injustice and bloodshed. They must be met with condemnation, and action from the international community, particularly when following the increased tensions we have seen and the storming of such an important holy site," said CAAT spokesperson Dana Aboul-Jabine in a statement.

"Regardless of how many atrocities have been inflicted, Downing Street has continued to arm and support Israeli forces. UK-made arms have been used against Palestinians before, and it is likely that they will be again. These arms sales do not just provide military support, they also send a clear sign of political support for the daily abuse that is central to the occupation.

"Time and again, successive UK governments have put arms sales ahead of the rights and lives of Palestinians. That long and shameful policy must stop.”