Just like you have heroes like the tennis player Novak Djokovic, when it comes to the resistance to the covid-19 vaccine narrative, you also have heroes when it comes to the resistance against the genocide in Gaza. This page presents the letter of Mark Smith, an UK official who worked as second secretary in the British embassy in Ireland. He could not longer support the delivery of weapons to Israeli where they were likely used to kill the people in Gaza.

Here’s a copy of his resignation letter (1)

“FCDO (3) complicity in War Crimes

I write to you on my last day in the FCDO with a message I never wanted to send. It is with sadness that I resign after a long career in the diplomatic service, however I can no longer carry out my duties in the knowledge that this Department may be complicit in War Crimes.

As former penholder on the arms exports licensing assessment in MENAD (4), I am a subject matter expert in the domain of armed sales policy. Each day we witness clear and unquestionable examples of War Crimes and breaches of International Humanitarian Law in Gaza perpetrated by the State of Israel.

Senior members of the Israeli governement and military have expressed open genocidal intent, Israeli soldiers take videos, deliberately burning destroying, and looting civilian property and openly admit to the rape and torture of prisoners (5).

Over half of Gaza’s homes and over 80% of commercial properties have been damaged or destroyed. Whole streets and universities have been demolished, humanitarian aid is being blocked and civilians are regularly left with no safe quarter to flee to. Red Crescent ambulances have been attacked, schools and hospitals are regularly targeted. These are War Crimes (6).

There is no justification for the UK’s continued arms slaes to Israel yet somehow it continues. I have raised this at every level in the organisation including through an official whistle blowing investigation and received nothing more than “thank you we have noted your concerns”.

Ministers claim that the UK has one of the most ‘robust and transparant’ arms export licensing regimes in the world, however this is the opposite of the truth. As af fully cleared officer raising serious concerns of illegality in this Department, to be disregarded in this way is deeply troubling. It is my duty as a public servant to raise this.

I urge you as officers of good consciience to join the many colleagues who have also raised concerns over the issue. The FCOD has some of the most brilliant, hard working and good-hearted people I have ever known and I have been proud to work alongside you.

I hope that we can look back on history and be proud.

Best regards,

Mark”

FOOTNOTES
(1) https://x.com/HindHassanNews/status/1824509627796439188/
(2) Shocking resignation: Senior British diplomat Mark Smith steps down over UK’s arms sales to Israel – What’s behind this decision?
(3) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
(4) I couldn’t find what MENAD stands for. If you can help me with that, please let me know (menu->contact)
(5) How certain Israeli People regard Soldiers who rape a Palestinian as Heroes
(6) The Evil Face of Israel (on Genocide, Torture and the Killing of Civilians) (graphic – not for kids)
(7) Aftermath of Israeli attack on Gaza school

Image of Mark Smith on top of this article is from (2).