The Council of Europe has called on its 46 member states to immediately halt arms deliveries to Israel, citing concerns over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Michael O’Flaherty, the council’s commissioner for human rights, emphasized that member states should take all necessary steps to avoid exacerbating the situation in the Palestinian enclave. This move comes after Germany’s decision to suspend some arms exports to Israel, sparking a wave of similar calls from human rights organizations and international bodies.
Germany’s decision to curb arms exports to Israel has been seen as a significant rebuke to Israel’s strongest international backers. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the German government would not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice. This move is in line with growing international criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with many expressing concerns over the impact on civilian populations.
UN experts have also called for an immediate halt to arms transfers to Israel, citing the risk of serious human rights violations and potential complicity in international crimes. The experts welcomed the decision of a Dutch appeals court ordering the Netherlands to halt the export of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel, citing a “clear risk” that the parts would be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Oxfam, have also urged states to cease arms sales to Israel.
The conflict in Gaza has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilians killed and injured. The UN has warned of a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza, and the International Court of Justice has issued provisional measures ordering Israel to halt its military offensive in Rafah. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with widespread destruction, displacement, and food insecurity.
The Council of Europe’s call to halt arms deliveries to Israel is part of a growing international movement to hold states accountable for their role in the conflict. O’Flaherty’s statement emphasizes the need for member states to intensify efforts to provide relief to those affected by the conflict and to address violations of international human rights. As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how states will respond to these calls for action.
