WASHINGTON, DC, 15 August 2024 – In response to news that the Biden administration has approved sales of $20 billion worth of weapons and military equipment to Israel, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) urges US Congress to block the sales and reiterates its call for an end to US arms transfers to Israel in light of grave risks to civilians.
Annie Shiel, CIVIC’s US Advocacy Director said:
“The decision to approve yet another massive sale of arms to Israel is appalling and a blatant violation of US and international law and policy.
“US arms transfers to Israel have fueled unimaginable suffering in Gaza, including staggering levels of civilian harm, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and an ever-growing humanitarian catastrophe. The US is complicit in this devastation.
“Congress must block these sales, including through the introduction of joint resolutions of disapproval, and the Biden-Harris administration must finally end US arms transfers and use its leverage to bring about an immediate ceasefire.”
In addition to the United States, CIVIC calls on all UN Member States to immediately halt the transfer of weapons to Israel and Palestinian armed groups in light of the risks such arms will be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, a call echoed by over 250 organizations.
Facts and Figures:
- The United States provides more weapons than any other country in the world to Israel.
- Human rights and media organizations have documented numerous Israeli attacks using US weapons that have killed and maimed civilians and destroyed vital infrastructure, including serious violations of international humanitarian law (IHL).
- In its latest National Security Memorandum 20, the US administration also notes that it is “reasonable to assess” that US weapons have been used by Israeli forces “in instances inconsistent with its IHL obligations.”
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Hajer Naili, Director of Communications, [email protected], +31.6.21.69.68.86 / +1 917 889 5982 (WhatsApp)
CIVIC Communications: [email protected]
Spokespersons available for interviews in English, French, and Arabic
ABOUT CIVIC
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that envisions a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict. Founded in 2003 by Marla Ruzicka, CIVIC now has a presence in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Learn more at www.civiliansinconflict.org and follow CIVIC on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
