International pressure mounts to halt arms sales to Israel amidst escalating Gaza conflict

New Delhi, April 07: As the Israel-Gaza conflict enters its seventh month with no signs of abating, international pressure and collective calling to suspend arms sales to Israel are growing. Despite mediation efforts from the US, Egypt, Qatar, and their allies to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages, the violence continues unabated, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Prominent figures and lawmakers from several Western countries have joined the chorus of voices calling for an end to arms sales to Israel. Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats have urged the cessation of US arms transfers in response to an Israeli airstrike that claimed the lives of seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen.

The incident prompted Pelosi and numerous congressional Democrats to express their shared concern and outrage, demanding a suspension of arms transfers until a thorough investigation is completed to address the spiralling humanitarian situation.

US Senator Bernie Sanders echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Israel should not receive further military aid until fundamental policy changes are implemented. Sanders characterized the humanitarian crisis as one of the worst seen in recent times, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

In the UK, pressure on the government to halt arms sales to Israel has intensified following a strike on a convoy in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of seven aid workers, including three Britons. Over 600 lawyers and retired judges have penned a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, urging immediate action to suspend weapon provision to Israel, citing violations of international law and the imminent risk of famine among Palestinians.

While Sunak has criticized Israel's conduct during the conflict, he has not signalled a willingness to halt arms sales, citing adherence to stringent export licensing regulations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged an independent investigation into the airstrike, vehemently denying allegations of genocide.

Members of Parliament from Sunak’s Conservative Party, alongside figures like Peter Ricketts, a former national security adviser, have demanded a halt to arms sales. The Labour Party, leading in opinion polls, echoed concerns over potential violations of international law and called for suspending arms sales pending investigation results.

Canada too has joined several other nations in suspending arms sales to Israel, citing concerns over escalating violence and humanitarian crises. However, the United States remains the primary provider of defence equipment to Israel, with a $14 billion military aid package awaiting final approval from Congress. Despite mounting civilian casualties and international condemnation, the US continues to uphold its longstanding support for Israel.

As civilian casualties in Gaza surpass 32,000 deaths, humanitarian organizations and civil society groups worldwide have condemned the violence, calling for immediate action to address the escalating crisis. European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, echoed concerns about Israel's response to attacks, suggesting that reducing arms supplies could help mitigate civilian casualties.

As the Israel-Gaza conflict persists, international pressure to halt arms sales to Israel continues to intensify. Amid the continuing loss of civilian lives and the worsening humanitarian crisis.