Germany's Controversial Military Exports to Israel Under Scrutiny

Germany has authorized over $100 million in military exports to Israel, raising concerns about their use in Gaza. Human rights groups have filed legal challenges, citing potential violations of international law. Germany insists on case-by-case assessments, with rising pressure for transparency and justified arms transfers.

Germany has sparked controversy with its authorization of over $100 million in military exports to Israel in recent months, according to foreign ministry data disclosed Thursday. The move comes amid growing legal challenges by human rights organizations, who worry about the weapons' potential use in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The authorization, amounting to 94,052,394 euros since August 2024, was unveiled in a government response to a parliamentary inquiry. This follows a notable decline in arms exports to Israel earlier this year. The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) announced it has filed an appeal with the Frankfurt Administrative Court on behalf of a Gaza resident, aiming to halt further arms shipments.

The appeal argues that German arms contribute to civilian casualties in Gaza, referencing a specific case of a resident who lost family members in Israeli airstrikes. The legal action targets Germany's Federal Office of Economics and Export Control, which approves such exports, highlighting possible breaches of international law including the Arms Trade Treaty.

(With inputs from agencies.)