First, it’s clear, as Germany acknowledged, that there’s been a material change to circumstances on the ground. When Lammy announced the arms export ban, he was explicit that the “suspension only covers items which might be used in the current conflict” and that “the government will keep our position under review”. The suspension was thus specifically linked and time-limited to a conflict which ended with the ceasefire which came into effect on October 10. Second, the terms of the ceasefire, which were based on President Trump’s 20 point plan, required the release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas following...