A major arms fair opens Tuesday in London without the presence of Israeli government officials due to worsening diplomatic relations between Britain and Israel over the Gaza conflict.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration excluded the officials from the four-day event, but not the 51 Israeli defence companies that are set to attend including major arms manufacturer Elbit.

State-owned Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries will also have exhibitions, making Israel the fifth-largest national contingent after the UK, United States, Australia and Germany.

A coalition of more than 100 grassroots organisations and activist groups, including supporters of the Palestinians and anti-arms protestors, are expected to descend on the Excel London exhibition centre in the British capital, w

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