Smith’s Resignation and Criticism of the State Department
In Smith’s letter regarding his resignation, shared on the social media platform X, the phrase “The British Foreign Office is complicit in war crimes” drew attention. In the letter, Smith expressed his regret for his resignation, but emphasized that it was not possible to work in an institution that collaborates with war crimes. Smith stated that he had previously worked in the department’s arms export licenses to the Middle East and North Africa.
Smith, who expressed his expertise on the subject, said, “Every day in Gaza, we witness war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law committed by Israel. Leading figures in the Israeli government and military openly display genocidal intentions, deliberately setting fires, looting civilian areas, torturing and rapping details.”
In his letter, Smith stated that civilian structures such as universities and homes were destroyed, humanitarian aid was blocked and there was no safe place left in Gaza. He said, “Red Cross ambulances are being attacked, schools and hospitals are being targeted regularly. These are clearly war crimes.”
Smith said he had raised concerns about arms sales at every level of the Ministry, adding: “While it can never be justified for the UK to sell arms to Israel, arms sales continue. I have raised this at every level of the institution, including the official investigation. I have received no response other than ‘Thank you, we have noted your concerns’.”
Smith also criticized British officials’ claims that they have the world’s most transparent export licensing system for arms sales, saying: “The truth is the opposite. As a civil servant who has raised concerns about this illegality in the department, it is deeply disturbing to “be ignored in this way.”
Finally, Smith invited other ministry employees to voice their concerns.
