Not just the US: How 51 countries armed Israel during Gaza war
Al Jazeera's investigation found 51 countries, including the UK, Canada, France, and Germany, supplied military goods to Israel during the Gaza war despite ICJ genocide risk warnings. Shipments surged before alleged massacres, with critics citing violations of international humanitarian law and prioritization of geopolitical interests over human rights.
An investigation by Al Jazeera has revealed that at least 51 countries and territories continued supplying military-related goods to Israel during the Gaza conflict, even after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) warned of a plausible risk of genocide. According to the findings, arms and related equipment from nations including the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain continued entering Israel until the October 2025 ceasefire, despite many of these countries publicly endorsing arms restrictions or embargoes. The revelation raises serious questions about the adherence of these states to international humanitarian law and their commitment to enforcing self-imposed export controls.
The investigation also uncovered a troubling surge in imports linked to ammunition in the months preceding the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation massacres, where Israeli forces allegedly killed dozens of starving Palestinians seeking food aid. The timing of these shipments, particularly the increase in bullet-related supplies, coincides with a period of heightened scrutiny over Israel’s conduct in Gaza. While some of the implicated countries have cited legal loopholes or bureaucratic delays to justify continued arms transfers, critics argue that such technicalities do little to absolve them of their international obligations under the Genocide Convention and other treaties.
The findings underscore a broader pattern of inconsistency among Western nations, many of which have publicly condemned Israel’s military actions while simultaneously permitting the flow of weapons used in the conflict. The United States, Israel’s largest arms supplier, has faced particular scrutiny, but the Al Jazeera investigation highlights that European and other allies have played a significant, albeit less scrutinised, role in sustaining Israel’s military capabilities. The continued exports, even amid ICJ proceedings, suggest a prioritisation of geopolitical and economic interests over humanitarian concerns.
Legal experts and human rights organisations have condemned these transfers, emphasising that arms shipments to a party facing allegations of genocide could constitute complicity under international law. The revelations come as the international community grapples with how to enforce accountability, with calls growing for stricter enforcement of existing arms embargoes and for countries to align their policies with their stated commitments to human rights and international justice.
