Protesters wave Palestinians flags and a banner reading "Complicit" as they gather on Westminster Bridge in front of the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known by the name of the clock's bell "Big Ben", at the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, in central London, encircle UK Parliament in support of Palestinians, during a demonstration in support of Gaza. AFP
The officials warned of potential UK "complicity" in "Israel's violations of international humanitarian law" during the conflict in the Palestinian territory.
The letter dated May 16 questioned the continuation of some UK arms sales to the country, according to the broadcaster.
"In July 2024, staff expressed concern about Israel's violations of international humanitarian law and potential UK government complicity," the staff wrote, according to excerpts cited by the BBC.
"In the intervening period, the reality of Israel's disregard for international law has become more stark," they added, citing the killing of humanitarian workers, restrictions on international aid and violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
The letter added the UK government had contributed to "the erosion of global norms", including through weapons exports, the broadcaster reported.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government suspended some 30 of 350 arms export licenses to Israel in September 2024, citing a "risk" they could be used in violations of international law.
London has also sanctioned settlers in the West Bank and suspended negotiations on a free trade agreement with Israel.
But it continues to supply components for F-35 fighter jets to a global pool that Israel is able to access.
"Since day one, this government has rigorously applied international law in relation to the war in Gaza," a Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said in a statement sent to AFP.
The BBC reported that the two most senior officials in the FCDO replied to the letter by saying the signatories could "resign" if they disagreed with government policy.
"This is an honourable course," they told staff, the BBC reported, adding that the response shocked the civil servants.
The FCDO spokesperson said "it is the job of civil servants to deliver on the policies of the government of the day".
"There are systems in place which allow them to raise concerns if they have them," they added.
The row comes as Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing international criticism over the war, including claims of genocide.
At least 54,927 people, the majority women and children, have been killed in Israel's war on the Strip.
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