The statement, endorsed by 30 experts including U.N. Special Rapporteurs, emphasized that companies continuing to supply war materiel to Israeli forces risked being implicated in serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws.
The experts highlighted the heightened risk following the International Court of Justice's recent emergency ruling instructing Israel to cease its military operations in Rafah, southern Gaza. They underscored that ongoing arms transfers could be interpreted as knowingly supporting operations that contravene international legal standards, potentially resulting in financial gains from such assistance.
According to the experts, the current Israeli military offensive has been characterized by indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure. They pointed to extensive use of explosive and incendiary weapons in densely populated areas, causing widespread destruction of essential civilian infrastructure including housing, health facilities, and schools.
The toll from these operations, as detailed by the experts, includes over 37,000 deaths and 84,000 injuries in Gaza, with an estimated 70 percent of casualties being women and children. They also highlighted severe environmental and climate damage resulting from the conflict.
"The imperative for an arms embargo on Israel and for investors to take decisive action is more urgent than ever," the UN experts asserted. They referenced international obligations under the Geneva Conventions, the Genocide Convention, and other human rights treaties, stressing the need for compliance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The statement commended journalists, human rights defenders, and lawyers for their efforts in documenting and reporting on the impacts of these weapons on civilians in Gaza. It called for accountability measures against states and companies involved in arms transfers to Israel.
The experts, part of the UN Human Rights Council's Special Procedures, work independently and voluntarily, separate from any government or organization. (ILKHA)