37 human rights groups urge Germany to halt arms sales to ‘Israel’

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A letter addressed to Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called on the German government to respect international law and exert its influence to push for a ceasefire in Gaza.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visits a production line at the future site of an arms factory where weapons maker Rheinmetall plans to produce artilleries as of 2025, in Unterluess, Germany, Monday, February 12, 2024. (AP)

Over 30 human rights groups have called on Germany to halt all arms supplies to the Israeli occupation and put more effort into effectuating a ceasefire in Gaza.

An open letter addressed to Chancellor Olaf Scholz signed by international groups, including Amnesty, Oxfam Germany, and Pax Christi, urged Germany to adhere to international law and pressure “Israel” for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

“Stop the export of war weapons and other military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza or the occupied West Bank,” the letter read, emphasizing that the occupation has been violating human rights using these weapons.

It also urged Germany to fulfill its duty as per international law, act accordingly to push “Israel” toward adhering to the demands of the International Court of Justice and opening humanitarian corridors to allow aid deliveries to Gaza, and ensure respect for international humanitarian law in the Strip.

37 human rights groups signed the letter, including Doctors of the World, Medico International, CARE Germany, and the Munich-based Palestinian-Jewish Dialogue Group.

World Court rejects urgent measures on German arms exports to ‘Israel’

On Tuesday, the International Court of Justice judges decided not to issue urgent orders halting German arms exports to “Israel”, noting that they remain deeply concerned about the conditions in Gaza.

However, the court did not honor Germany’s plea to dismiss the case, allowing it to proceed.

This was the latest update on the case Nicaragua made against Germany at the ICJ, in which it requested five immediate measures, including the suspension of Germany’s aid to “Israel”, particularly its military support and equipment provisions.

Germany is “Israel’s” second major arms supplier behind the US. In March, the SIPRI institute reported that 69% of “Israel’s” arms acquisitions in 2023 came from US corporations, and 30% came from Germany.

Earlier in April, four human rights organizations filed a domestic complaint in Germany on behalf of five identified Palestinians who reported their lives are in danger due to the collective punishment campaign by “Israel”. They have lost family, homes, and employment as a result of the Israeli aggression.