JERUSALEM, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned Britain's decision to suspend some arms export licenses to Israel.

In a statement, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called the move "a step that sends a very problematic message" to Hamas and its backers in Iran.

Katz expressed Israel's "disappointment" with the latest suspension by Britain's new Labor government, as well as with previous decisions Britain made regarding Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip.

"Israel is a law-abiding nation," Katz said, adding that he expects "friendly countries like Britain to recognize this."

He voiced hope that "the deep friendship between Britain and Israel, which has endured since Israel's founding, will continue in the future."

Earlier on Monday, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed lawmakers in parliament that around 30 licenses, out of a total of approximately 350, were being suspended.

Lammy stated that assessments had indicated a clear risk that British arms could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law.

The Foreign Office said that a two-month review had raised concerns about Israel's conduct in the conflict in Gaza. Enditem

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