Brussels, SANA-European Top human rights official called on the member states of Council of Europe to halt delivery weapons to Israel where there is a risk that they may be used to commit crimes and human rights violation in Gaza Strip.

Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for human rights said in a statement that “member states should do their utmost to prevent and address violations of international human rights that includes applying existing legal standards to ensure that arms transfers are not authorized where there is a risk that they may be used to commit human rights violations”.

The call by the Council — a human rights organization representing 46 states — comes shortly after Germany said it would halt delivery to Israel of some weapons that could be used in Gaza as part of Israeli plans to occupy Gaza.

He said the Council had taken note of this and other government initiatives, and also of contributions by some national human rights structures in raising awareness “However, more needs to be done, and quickly,” he added.
It was also “essential to intensify efforts to provide relief to those affected by the conflict, by supporting efforts to ensure unhindered access for humanitarian assistance and by pressing for the immediate release of hostages”, O’Flaherty emphasized.

Noura / Abdul