Gaza (Washington Insider Magazine) —Western governments are under increasing pressure to stop arms sales to Israel due to its military actions against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel, a significant weapons exporter, heavily depends on imported military equipment, including aircraft and guided munitions, to execute what experts call one of the most intense aerial campaigns in recent history.
Campaign groups and some politicians from Israel’s Western allies argue that these arms exports should be suspended, claiming Israel is not doing enough to protect civilian lives or ensure adequate humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
In response, the UK recently announced the suspension of around 30 export licenses for military equipment to Israel, evaluating its adherence to international humanitarian law. Although UK arms exports represent a small fraction of Israel’s overall military supplies, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision as “shameful.”
The conflict escalated after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the capture of over 250 hostages. In retaliation, more than 40,000 people in Gaza have reportedly died, according to local health authorities.
Israel maintains that it is working to minimize civilian casualties and accuses Hamas of deliberately endangering civilians. It also asserts that there are no restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries.
The United States, the largest arms supplier to Israel, has provided significant military support, accounting for 69% of Israel’s major conventional arms imports from 2019 to 2023. In recent months, the U.S. has expedited military assistance, delivering thousands of guided munitions and maintaining military aid under a long-term agreement aimed at sustaining Israel’s military edge in the region.
Germany follows as the second-largest arms exporter to Israel, significantly increasing sales since the outbreak of the conflict. Despite some internal debate, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense without indicating any risk of halting arms sales.
As the war progresses, the call for arms embargoes from humanitarian groups and politicians grows louder, reflecting a critical juncture for Western nations regarding military support to Israel in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
