Senior UK civil servants have told Foreign Office staff that resignation is a "honourable course" if they strongly oppose government policy on Gaza, triggering outrage among employees who accuse the UK of aiding Israeli breaches of international law.

Internal Letter Reveals Deep Dissent

A letter signed by over 300 Foreign Office employees in May raised alarm over the UK’s continued arms exports to Israel, highlighting concerns of “complicity” in violations of international law. The staff condemned the killing of humanitarian workers and Israel’s alleged use of starvation as a weapon, describing a “stark disregard for international law.”

In response, senior civil servants Sir Oliver Robbins and Nick Dyer reminded staff that if their disagreement was “profound,” they could consider resignation—describing it as an “honourable course.” This remark sparked backlash, with one official calling it “obfuscation.”

Growing Pressure Over UK’s Gaza Position

The internal letter cited Israel’s suspension of aid in March and the killing of 15 aid workers, warning that continued UK arms sales risked eroding global norms. It also noted Israel’s plans, supported by the Trump administration, for the potential forcible transfer of Gaza’s population—raising fears of future legal liability for UK officials.

The UK has officially suspended 30 arms export licenses and banned the export of F-35 parts and ammunition likely to be used in Gaza. However, civil servants say these measures are insufficient and worry about a return to “groupthink” reminiscent of the Iraq War era.

Broader Accountability and Legal Fears

A former official compared the current climate to pre-Iraq war conditions, referencing the Chilcot Report’s findings on civil service complicity and groupthink. Staff warned that those responsible for implementing decisions could face legal action if UK support for Israeli actions is deemed unlawful in future tribunals.

While the Foreign Office says it encourages “healthy challenge,” its response listed resignation as the ultimate recourse, deepening concerns that dissent is being quietly sidelined.