EU’s Complicity in Gaza: Analyzing Arms Support Amidst Genocide

European Involvement in Israel’s Actions in Gaza

Since the start of the conflict in Gaza nine months ago, over 38,000 Palestinians have died. More than 86,000 have been injured, and over 1.9 million have been displaced. European leaders often condemn these actions but take little meaningful action to stop them or reduce support for Israel.

The European Union (EU) is the second-largest arms supplier to Israel, after the United States. Between 2018 and 2022, EU member states sold arms worth 1.76 billion euros ($1.9 billion) to Israel. Despite evidence of potential genocide by Israeli forces, arms transfers from Europe to Israel have continued. Some countries, like Italy and Spain, announced suspensions of arms transfers, but often these were not fully enacted.

Germany is the largest European arms supplier to Israel, providing about 30 percent of Israel’s weapons from 2019 to 2023. Arms exports from Germany increased significantly last year. Other EU countries, such as Romania and Italy, also sold substantial arms to Israel during the same period.

EU arms often reach Israel through the US, complicating tracking and accountability. Known military exports from Europe are linked to Israel’s actions in Gaza, including components for tanks and artillery used in attacks on civilian areas.

European Funding of Israeli Arms

European countries are not only exporting weapons but also funding companies that manufacture those arms. Research shows that European taxpayers are supporting arms companies in Israel to the tune of 426 million euros ($461.7 million). Companies like Rheinmetall and Nammo continue to receive public funds, while Israeli entities have benefitted from numerous EU-funded security projects despite ongoing human rights violations against Palestinians.

Since October 7, the EU allocated 126 million euros ($136.5 million) to projects involving Israeli firms, some of which support arms production. EU countries have historically directed public money to Israeli arms manufacturers, contributing to its military capabilities.

Despite claims of promoting human rights, the EU’s actions indicate complicity in the violence in Gaza. While some measures have been proposed, such as arms embargoes, they have yet to be implemented effectively. European support for Israel’s military actions remains significant, risking further complicity in ongoing atrocities.

The need for change is urgent. The EU must consider implementing a full arms embargo on Israel to uphold its stated values and responsibilities in the face of ongoing violence and human rights abuses.