GENEVA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Over 30 United Nations (UN) experts on Thursday called on states and companies to put an end to the transfer of weapons and ammunition to Israel.
Such transfers could constitute serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and risk state complicity in international crimes, possibly including genocide, the experts said.
In a joint statement, special rapporteurs, independent experts, and working groups of the UN Human Rights Council urged countries and arms manufacturers to cease the sale, transfer and diversion of arms, munitions and other military equipment to Israel, even if they are conducted under existing export licenses.
These companies include BAE Systems, Boeing, Caterpillar, General Dynamics, and Lockheed Martin.
"These companies, by sending weapons, parts, components, and ammunition to Israeli forces, risk being complicit in serious violations of international human rights and international humanitarian laws," the experts said.
The end to transfers must include those made indirectly through intermediary countries that could ultimately be used by Israeli forces, particularly in the ongoing attacks on Gaza. Financial institutions investing in these arms companies - including the Bank of America, Capital Group, and JP Morgan Chase - may also be called to account.
The ongoing Israeli military assault is characterized by indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on the civilian population and infrastructure, the experts said. "The imperative for an arms embargo on Israel and for investors to take decisive action is more urgent than ever." ■
