Fact Check: “€53 million in weapons and ammunition from EU member states has been exported to Israel since the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians begun.

Fact-Check: "€53 million in weapons and ammunition from EU member states has been exported to Israel since the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians began."

What We Know

The claim states that EU member states have exported €53 million in weapons and ammunition to Israel since the onset of the recent conflict involving Palestinians. This figure is corroborated by The Ditch, which reports that EU member states have indeed exported this amount under the EU-Israel Association Agreement since October 2023. The report details that this includes €6.38 million in arms sent during the first four months of the year, despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the imposition of a blockade by Israel.

Additionally, the broader context reveals that several countries, including Italy, Japan, Spain, Canada, and Belgium, have ceased arms sales to Israel since October 2023, primarily due to international pressure regarding civilian casualties in Gaza (Wikipedia). However, the arms exports that have occurred were conducted under existing agreements, highlighting a complex situation where some nations have halted sales while others continue.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, particularly from The Ditch, which provides specific figures and details about the types of arms exported. The report indicates that the munitions included significant quantities of ammunition and military parts, underscoring the scale of the exports. The credibility of this source is bolstered by its exclusive reporting and the specificity of the data, which includes records obtained from the Israel Tax Authority.

On the other hand, the context provided by Wikipedia and other sources indicates a growing international concern over arms exports to Israel amid allegations of war crimes and humanitarian violations. This context is crucial for understanding the implications of the arms trade and the varying responses from different countries. While some nations have halted arms sales, the continued exports from others raise questions about compliance with international humanitarian standards.

The reliability of the sources varies; while The Ditch presents detailed and specific information, other sources like Euractiv and TRT provide broader analyses that may lack the same level of specificity but offer important context regarding the overall arms trade dynamics with Israel.

Conclusion

The claim that "€53 million in weapons and ammunition from EU member states has been exported to Israel since the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians began" is True. The evidence from reliable sources confirms the figure and the circumstances under which these exports occurred. The ongoing debate about arms sales to Israel amid humanitarian concerns further emphasizes the complexity of the situation, but the specific claim regarding the €53 million figure stands substantiated.

Sources

1. Arms embargoes on Israel since 2023
2. €53 million in EU weapons exports to Israel since Oct 2023
3. Data reveals shift in European arms exports to Israel amid ...
4. Arms exports: How EU states provide Israel with billions in revenues from air defense systems
5. EU complicity in Israel's genocide in Gaza
6. European countries continue to arm Israel as its attacks on ...
7. Arms exports to Israel must stop immediately: UN experts
8. From economy of occupation to economy of genocide