SPD demands immediate stop of arms exports to Israel!

SPD demands immediate stop of arms exports to Israel!

Gazastreifen, Palästina - Several members of the Bundestag of the SPD are calling for an immediate stop from German arms exports to Israel. This happens against the background of the devastating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which is further tightened by the Israeli approach. Adis Ahmetovic, the foreign policy spokesman for the SPD parliamentary group, emphasizes that German weapons may not be used to spread humanitarian disasters or to disregard international law. Ralf Stegner joins this opinion and calls for an immediate end of the humanitarian crisis and the violations of international law by Israel. The pressure on the federal government is growing because it has made an exception to its otherwise rigorous practice for Israel not to deliver weapons to conflict areas that should serve the security of Israel.

Current reports from the Gaza Strip show that Israel has delivered 107 trucks with relief goods, including flour and food, via the Kerem Schalom border crossing. Despite these aid actions, the Palestinian health authorities report at least 30 other deaths that were killed by Israeli attacks, including a high -ranking emergency services employee and a journalist. According to the GAZA government's media office, 220 Palestinian journalists have already been killed.

international reactions to arms exports

In an open letter, Amnesty International and 37 German civil society organizations ask the federal government to immediately stop arms exports to Israel. They warn of human rights violations and possible war crimes in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. The organizations also require that the federal government campaigns for an armistice, an expansion of humanitarian aid in Gaza and the release of hostages. They direct the letter to government members who are responsible for arms export permits and humanitarian aid.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has asked states to stop arms deliveries if there is a risk that humanitarian international law will be violated. The International Court of Justice had previously called for measures to protect the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on January 26, 2024 and pointed out the need for an armistice. Amnesty International emphasizes that according to international standards, such as the arms trade contract, arms exports have to be prevented if they are connected to human rights violations and violations of international law.

Humanitarian location in the Gaza Strip

The UN reports that at least 34,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 77,000 injured since the beginning of the current conflict. The organization for the coordination of humanitarian matters (OCHA) reports that all 2.23 million inhabitants are affected by Gaza's acute nutritional uncertainty. These worrying statistics illustrate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, which is still exacerbated by persistent conflicts.

In addition, the Spanish government calls for an international weapon embargo against Israel to improve humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has spoken out to immediately complain about the EU partnership agreement with Israel and to impose targeted sanctions against those who hinder the two -state solution.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (IKRK) urgently calls for ceasefire and the protection of civilians, including medical and humanitarian helpers. Tragically, attacks on their accommodations have already led to losses among the employees, which further underlines the urgency of humanitarian aid.

Overall, it can be seen that compliance with international norms and humanitarian principles is more urgent than ever to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip and create a basis for future peace. Germany's attitude in terms of weapon exports and its role at the international level are the focus of intensive discourses and demands.