UN: Arms Suppliers to Israel Must Act Responsibly
UN Calls for End to Israeli Use of Western Weapons for Potential War Crimes in Gaza
There is growing evidence that the weapons supplied to Israel by Western countries are being used in acts that potentially constitute war crimes in Gaza. This claim was made by UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, who also pointed out that some of these countries have also cut their funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
This situation appears to contradict the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for Israel to take immediate action to prevent genocide. Dujarric emphasized that the decisions of the ICJ are binding and called on member states to consider cutting financial and military aid to Israel.
The UN’s priority is to ensure that the decisions of the ICJ are respected. Dujarric also stressed the importance of continuing and even increasing funds to UNRWA considering the escalating needs in the region.
In addition, Dujarric highlighted the responsibility of countries that sell or transfer weapons for how those weapons are used globally.
The recent conflict in Gaza, which has been ongoing since Israel’s occupation began on October 7, 2023, has led to significant loss of life and destruction. Hamas’s attack on Israel was in response to what they cited as continuous violations against the Palestinians and their sacred values.
Israeli casualties from the October 7 attacks number at 1,200 dead and 5,132 injured, while Palestinian casualties in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have reached 28,576, including at least 12,300 children and 8,400 women, with 68,291 more injured.
The conflict has also extended to the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Lebanon, resulting in further loss of life on both sides. The situation has prompted a call from the UN for an end to the use of Western-supplied weapons in potential war crimes in Gaza.
