IRIA News

6 minute read

The Council of Europe has called on its 46 member states to stop delivering weapons to Israel if there is a risk they could be used to commit human rights violations in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Michael O’Flaherty, the Council’s Commissioner for Human Rights, said states should do “their utmost to prevent and address violations of international human rights” and ensure that arms transfers are not authorized where there is a risk of misuse.

“This includes applying existing legal standards to ensure that arms transfers are not authorized where there is a risk that they may be used to commit human rights violations,” O’Flaherty said in a statement issued Tuesday in Strasbourg.

Humanitarian access and hostage release

O’Flaherty also urged governments to intensify relief efforts for those affected by the conflict, calling for unhindered humanitarian access and the immediate release of hostages.

“It is essential to intensify efforts to provide relief to those affected by the conflict, by supporting efforts to ensure unhindered access for humanitarian assistance and by pressing for the immediate release of hostages,” he said.

The human rights chief stressed that both sides must comply with international law, but his warning was directed particularly at preventing arms sales that could be linked to civilian harm in Gaza.

The war in Gaza grows more dangerous by the hour.

EU priorities remain humanitarian support, including access for NGOs, with an immediate ceasefire and release of remaining hostages.

If a military solution was possible, the war would already be over. pic.twitter.com/hRDukCT4Uu

— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) August 11, 2025

Germany halts arms deliveries

The appeal comes shortly after Germany confirmed it had halted delivery to Israel of certain weapons that could be used in Gaza. Berlin’s move follows Israeli plans to take control of Gaza City as part of its military strategy against Hamas.

According to German officials, the suspension applies to equipment and munitions that could be directly used in urban warfare in Gaza. Deliveries for defensive systems, however, are expected to continue under existing contracts. The decision marks one of the most significant public policy shifts by a major European arms supplier to Israel since the conflict began.

Germany has historically been one of Israel’s key defense partners in Europe, alongside the United Kingdom and Italy. In 2023, Berlin approved a range of exports, including naval components and military vehicles. The halt underscores the growing political and legal pressures within Europe to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law.

Council notes limited progress

O’Flaherty said the Council had taken note of Germany’s action and other government initiatives, as well as the contributions of national human rights bodies in raising awareness about potential violations.

“However, more needs to be done, and quickly,” he said. “It is not enough to make statements; concrete steps are needed to prevent further suffering.”

The Council of Europe, which is separate from the European Union, is a pan-European human rights organization comprising 46 states, including all EU member countries, the United Kingdom, and several non-EU nations. It is not a military body but has significant influence on human rights policy and legal frameworks across the continent.

International criticism of the Gaza war escalation

The Council’s statement comes amid a wave of international criticism over Israel’s plan to widen military operations in Gaza. Several world leaders have condemned the Israeli government’s decision to move deeper into Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped.

The United Nations has repeatedly warned of the humanitarian consequences of intensified fighting in densely populated areas. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for a ceasefire and reiterated that indiscriminate attacks could amount to war crimes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, defended the military campaign on Sunday, saying that targeting the remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza was “the best way to end the war.” He insisted that Israel was taking steps to minimize civilian casualties and argued that Hamas’s use of civilian areas for military purposes left the Israeli Defense Forces with few options.

Rising civilian toll and humanitarian crisis

Since the latest escalation began, Gaza’s health authorities have reported thousands of civilian deaths, with many more injured. Large parts of Gaza City have been reduced to rubble, and aid agencies say that hospitals are struggling to function amid shortages of medicine, fuel, and clean water.

The blockade of key border crossings has further complicated relief efforts. Humanitarian organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières, have urged Israel to open additional routes for aid deliveries and to guarantee the safety of medical personnel working in conflict zones.

Legal obligations under arms trade rules

Under both the European Union’s Common Position on arms exports and the international Arms Trade Treaty, signatories are required to deny export licences if there is a clear risk that the equipment could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian or human rights law.

While the Council of Europe does not have enforcement powers over arms exports, its recommendations often influence legislative debates and judicial interpretations in member states. National governments could face legal challenges if they are found to have authorized exports in breach of these obligations.

Other European positions

Beyond Germany, several European states have reviewed their defense cooperation with Israel in light of the Gaza war. Spain and Belgium have called for a suspension of arms sales, while Ireland has pushed for stronger EU-wide measures to ensure compliance with international law.

France has not announced a halt to deliveries but has stressed the need for strict controls. The United Kingdom, another significant exporter, has faced pressure from lawmakers and civil society groups to reassess its licensing approvals.

Humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels, with famine unfolding before our eyes. Urgent action is needed to halt and reverse starvation.

We call on Israel to authorise all international NGO aid shipments and allow essential humanitarian actors to operate.… pic.twitter.com/tG6mpDlHNd

— European External Action Service – EEAS 🇪🇺 (@eu_eeas) August 12, 2025

Diplomatic implications

The Council of Europe’s call may also have broader diplomatic repercussions. Israel has traditionally maintained strong ties with many European capitals, rooted in both historical alliances and contemporary security cooperation. However, prolonged civilian suffering in Gaza is increasingly straining these relationships.

Analysts note that if more European states follow Germany’s lead, it could reduce Israel’s access to certain categories of advanced military technology. This could also send a political signal that Europe is willing to take concrete action in response to humanitarian concerns, even when involving close partners.