Petition to End German Arms Exports to Israel Due to Violations of the Arms Trade Treaty

 

To: The Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Foreign Office, and the German Bundestag

 

Subject: Immediate Suspension of Arms Exports to Israel in Light of Potential Violations of the Arms Trade Treaty

 

Dear Sir or Madam,

 

We, the undersigned, urgently call on the German government to halt all military aid and arms exports to the State of Israel. This demand is based on the belief that Germany may be violating its commitments under the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) by continuing to supply weapons despite credible allegations of war crimes and human rights violations.

 

Israel’s military actions, particularly in the Gaza Strip and other occupied territories, have repeatedly resulted in large-scale civilian casualties. Numerous international organizations, including the United Nations and Human Rights Watch, have documented evidence that suggests Israeli forces may have committed severe violations of international law, including war crimes and possible genocide.

 

As a signatory of the ATT, Germany is obligated to assess the risk that its exported arms could be used to commit genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity. Article 6 of the ATT specifically prohibits any arms transfer if there is knowledge that the weapons could be used to commit these grave crimes. Furthermore, Article 7 requires that Germany conduct a comprehensive risk assessment before authorizing arms exports to ensure these arms are not misused.

 

Despite these clear obligations, Germany has continued to supply advanced weapons to Israel, including submarines and military equipment, which are reportedly used in operations that result in civilian casualties. This is in direct contradiction to the precautionary principles outlined in the ATT.

 

We demand that the Federal Government of Germany take its responsibilities under the Arms Trade Treaty seriously and immediately suspend all arms exports to Israel. The potential use of these weapons in illegal military operations places Germany at risk of complicity in serious violations of international law.

 

We ask that a thorough investigation be conducted to assess whether past exports contributed to these violations and that future exports be frozen until full compliance with international law is assured.

 

By upholding its commitments to the ATT, Germany will demonstrate its dedication to peace, human rights, and the rule of law.

 

Sincerely,
M. Matar