London mayor rejects hosting arms fair over Israel’s Gaza assault

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has voiced opposition to the capital hosting a major international arms fair, citing Israel’s ongoing military assault on Gaza.

“London is home to thousands of people who have fled conflict and suffered as a result of weapons like those exhibited at this event,” Khan said according to a report from The Guardian. His spokesperson called the fair “inappropriate given Israel's ongoing military operation in Gaza.”

The move comes after the UK government announced last week that Israeli officials would not be invited to the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition, citing Israel's ongoing war on Gaza.

“The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong,” the British government said on Friday. “As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.”