By L. Ryan, Jadetimes News
Pressure on Western Governments to Halt Arms Sales
Western governments are facing increasing pressure to halt arms sales to Israel due to concerns over its military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel, a significant weapons exporter, relies heavily on imported aircraft, guided bombs, and missiles to conduct one of the most intense and destructive aerial campaigns in recent history.
Campaign groups and some politicians from Israel's Western allies argue that arms exports should be suspended because Israel is allegedly failing to adequately protect civilian lives and ensure sufficient humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. On Friday, the UN Human Rights Council supported a weapons ban, with 28 countries voting in favor, six against, and 13 abstentions. The US and Germany, which account for the majority of Israel's arms imports, voted against the ban. Germany's opposition was based on the resolution's failure to explicitly condemn Hamas.
The conflict was triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which killed about 1,200 people, mainly civilians, according to Israeli tallies. In Gaza, more than 33,000 people have been killed, 70% of them children and women, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel insists its forces are working to avoid civilian casualties, accusing Hamas of deliberately using civilians as shields, and asserts that there are no restrictions on aid deliveries.
United States
The United States is the largest supplier of arms to Israel, significantly contributing to its technologically advanced military. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the US accounted for 69% of Israel's imports of major conventional arms between 2019 and 2023. Under a 10-year agreement, the US provides Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military aid, aimed at maintaining Israel's "qualitative military edge" over neighboring countries.
Despite calls for a halt to arms sales, the US continues to support Israel's military capabilities, reflecting a longstanding strategic alliance. The debate over arms sales to Israel highlights the complex dynamics of international relations, humanitarian concerns, and security considerations amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
