{"id":30854,"date":"2025-08-13T00:00:22","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T21:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=30854"},"modified":"2025-08-13T00:00:24","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T21:00:24","slug":"council-of-europe-urges-member-states-to-halt-arms-sales-to-israel-amid-human-rights-violations-in-gaza","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/council-of-europe-urges-member-states-to-halt-arms-sales-to-israel-amid-human-rights-violations-in-gaza\/","title":{"rendered":"Council of Europe urges member states to halt arms sales to Israel amid human rights violations in Gaza"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>6 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Michael O\u2019Flaherty, the Council\u2019s Commissioner for Human Rights, said states should do \u201ctheir utmost to prevent and address violations of international human rights\u201d and ensure that arms transfers are not authorized where there is a risk of misuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis 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,\u201d O\u2019Flaherty said in a statement issued Tuesday in Strasbourg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Humanitarian access and hostage release<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>O\u2019Flaherty also urged governments to intensify relief efforts for those affected by the conflict, calling for unhindered humanitarian access and the immediate release of hostages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The war in Gaza grows more dangerous by the hour. <br><br>EU priorities remain humanitarian support, including access for NGOs, with an immediate ceasefire and release of remaining hostages. <br><br>If a military solution was possible, the war would already be over. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/hRDukCT4Uu\">pic.twitter.com\/hRDukCT4Uu<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/kajakallas\/status\/1954969971714560487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 11, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><br><strong>Germany halts arms deliveries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The appeal comes shortly after Germany confirmed it had halted delivery to Israel of certain weapons that could be used in Gaza. Berlin\u2019s move follows Israeli plans to take control of Gaza City as part of its military strategy against Hamas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Germany has historically been one of Israel\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Council notes limited progress<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>O\u2019Flaherty said the Council had taken note of Germany\u2019s action and other government initiatives, as well as the contributions of national human rights bodies in raising awareness about potential violations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHowever, more needs to be done, and quickly,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is not enough to make statements; concrete steps are needed to prevent further suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Israeli-attack-on-Gaza-Palestine.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"652\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Israeli-attack-on-Gaza-Palestine.jpg?resize=1016%2C652&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Palestinians inspect the damage at a school sheltering displaced people after Israeli attack\" class=\"wp-image-29414\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Israeli-attack-on-Gaza-Palestine.jpg?resize=1024%2C657&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Israeli-attack-on-Gaza-Palestine.jpg?resize=300%2C193&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Israeli-attack-on-Gaza-Palestine.jpg?resize=768%2C493&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Israeli-attack-on-Gaza-Palestine.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Palestinians inspect the damage at a school sheltering displaced people, following an Israeli strike, in Gaza City, on May 26, 2025. (Image Credit: Reuters\/Dawoud Abu Alkas)<\/sup><\/em><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><br><strong>International criticism of the Gaza war escalation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Council\u2019s statement comes amid a wave of international criticism over Israel\u2019s plan to widen military operations in Gaza. Several world leaders have condemned the Israeli government\u2019s decision to move deeper into Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, defended the military campaign on Sunday, saying that targeting the remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza was \u201cthe best way to end the war.\u201d He insisted that Israel was taking steps to minimize civilian casualties and argued that Hamas\u2019s use of civilian areas for military purposes left the Israeli Defense Forces with few options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Rising civilian toll and humanitarian crisis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the latest escalation began, Gaza\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The blockade of key border crossings has further complicated relief efforts. Humanitarian organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and M\u00e9decins Sans Fronti\u00e8res, have urged Israel to open additional routes for aid deliveries and to guarantee the safety of medical personnel working in conflict zones.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Palestinian-malnourished-girl.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"719\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Palestinian-malnourished-girl.jpg?resize=1016%2C719&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"A Palestinian malnourished girl Jana Ayad\" class=\"wp-image-30655\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Palestinian-malnourished-girl.jpg?resize=1024%2C725&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Palestinian-malnourished-girl.jpg?resize=300%2C213&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Palestinian-malnourished-girl.jpg?resize=768%2C544&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Palestinian-malnourished-girl.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>A Palestinian girl Jana Ayad, who is malnourished, rests on a bed as she receives treatment at the International Medical Corps field hospital in Deir Al-Balah in the southern Gaza Strip, on June 22, 2024. (Image Credit: Reuters\/Mohammed Salem)<\/sup><\/em><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Legal obligations under arms trade rules<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under both the European Union\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Other European positions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels, with famine unfolding before our eyes. Urgent action is needed to halt and reverse starvation.<br><br>We call on Israel to authorise all international NGO aid shipments and allow essential humanitarian actors to operate.\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/tG6mpDlHNd\">pic.twitter.com\/tG6mpDlHNd<\/a><\/p>\u2014 European External Action Service &#8211; EEAS \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddfa (@eu_eeas) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/eu_eeas\/status\/1955306376676171974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 12, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><br><strong>Diplomatic implications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Council of Europe\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Analysts note that if more European states follow Germany\u2019s lead, it could reduce Israel\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":26671,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[62,44,1],"tags":[75,24,357,92,793,53,537,60,26,356,27,128,63],"class_list":["post-30854","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-europe","category-middle-east","category-news","tag-conflict","tag-eu","tag-europe","tag-gaza","tag-genocide","tag-germany","tag-human-rights","tag-humanitarian-crisis","tag-israel","tag-middle-east","tag-palestine","tag-war","tag-weapons"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Israeli-soldiers-prepare-shells.jpg?fit=690%2C370&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7jJWb-81E","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30854","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30854"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30854\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30868,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30854\/revisions\/30868"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26671"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30854"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30854"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}