UN Experts Say Companies Sending Weapons To Israel Could Be Involved In Human Rights And International Law Violations

JAKARTA - United Nations (UN) experts on Thursday warned arms and ammunition manufacturers against participating in arms shipments to Israel, saying it could get them involved in human rights abuses and international law violations.

A group of 30 experts, including several UN Special Rapporteurs, said weapons manufacturers supplying Israel should stop sending their war equipment, "even if deliveries are made based on existing export licenses".

"These companies, by sending weapons, spare parts, components, and ammunition to Israeli forces, are at risk of engaging in serious violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law," experts said in a statement.

No immediate comment from Israel has repeatedly denied committing violations during Gaza's operations, saying they acted to defend themselves and combat Hamas militants, not Palestinians.

UN experts further say risks to gun companies have increased since the International Court ordered Israel last month to halt its military offensive in the Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, in an important emergency ruling filed by South Africa, accusing Israel of committing genocide.

"In this context, continued arms transfer to Israel can be seen as a deliberate aid for operations that violate international human rights, international humanitarian law and can benefit from the aid," experts say.

Israel itself has rejected allegations of genocide as false accusations and strongly deviant.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Human Rights Office said on Wednesday Israeli forces may have repeatedly violated the law of war and failed to distinguish between civilians and fighters in the Gaza conflict. Israel rejected the findings as flawed findings.

The militant group led by Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, leaving about 1,200 people dead and holding more than 250 people hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

It was responded to by a blockade, bombardment and ground operations by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Gaza's health authorities on Thursday announced that the death toll of Palestinians as a result of Israeli attacks since October 7, 2023 has reached 37,431 people, while the injured reached 85,653 people, quoted from WAFA.