As international outrage over Gazan humanitarian tragedy intensifies, an increasing number of countries are calling upon Israel to cease its military campaign — yet maintaining strong trade and defense relationships with Israel’s government. Human rights organizations and pro-Palestinian activists have noted the apparent contradiction in calling on them but continuing trade relations despite diplomatic appeals without economic consequences being unlikely to produce real results.
At this week’s UN Human Rights Council session, over 35 nations, including France, Germany, Japan and Australia joined in issuing a joint statement demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and unimpeded humanitarian access. It voiced deep concerns over civilian casualties, widespread displacement and imminent threats of famine while encouraging Israel to comply with international humanitarian law.
Yet despite such strong language, none of the signatory countries has suspended trade or military cooperation with Israel. Recent trade data indicates that bilateral commerce has continued largely unimpeded since October 2023 when conflict escalated; European Union countries remain among Israel’s main trading partners by purchasing its defense technologies, medical devices, and agricultural goods.
“This is a textbook example of diplomatic hypocrisy,” stated Lina Hawari, political analyst with the Middle East Policy Forum. “You cannot call for peace while funding its continuation with arms purchases and trade deals.”
Germany, which has supplied Israel with submarines and defense systems for years, recently renewed several defense contracts despite expressing strong dismay over Gaza’s humanitarian consequences. Meanwhile, Britain criticized Israeli strikes against refugee camps; yet continues to provide export licenses for components used in Israeli drones and fighter jets.
Critics contend this gap between rhetoric and policy sends mixed signals. According to Omar Al-Khatib of the European Campaign for Human Rights in Palestine, governments appear to be giving Israeli actions an official greenlight while offering symbolic statements as appeasement of domestic pressure. Trade speaks louder than words.
Israel, for its part, has justified its military operations as essential for national security, holding Hamas responsible for embedding militants among civilians and blocking aid efforts. Israeli officials have repeatedly rejected ceasefire calls unless all remaining hostages are released and Hamas disarms itself.
Even as diplomatic appeals and public protests around the globe grow, little momentum appears to exist for imposing economic penalties or suspending military ties with Israel. Even as public calls for “greater restraint” continue to echo through Congress and American society alike, Israel remains strongly supported and weapons continue to flow under existing agreements from America’s closest ally and largest defense partner: America has refused to end support or suspension agreements and remains committed to provide arms under existing agreements despite public calls for “greater restraint”.
Humanitarian organizations are calling on governments to adhere to consistent human rights stances when formulating foreign policies. Amnesty International and Oxfam have both encouraged G7 nations to suspend military exports to Israel until credible investigations into alleged war crimes are completed.
Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International stated, “The international community must bring its values into line with its actions,” in order to end war and ensure justice is maintained. Empty words will not save lives. Halting war requires stopping its flow as well as creating conditions conducive to peacekeeping efforts.
As Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsens daily, critics contend that global leaders face an urgent decision: keep economic ties despite any possible complicity or take concrete measures that reflect their moral concerns.