Germany’s decision to lift restrictions on arms deliveries to Israel risks conflicting with its obligations under International Law, Amnesty International warned on Monday. The decision was “reckless, unlawful and risks complicity in Israel’s international crimes,” pointing to genocide, war crimes, apartheid and unlawful occupation of the West Bank including East Jerusalem.
In a press release, the human rights organization called on all states to uphold comprehensive arms embargoes on Israel, Hamas and other military groups active in the war in Gaza, stressing their legal obligations under both international humanitarian law and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). In the statement, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, condemned the step as inappropriate:
As Israel continues to attack Palestinians in Gaza and restrict humanitarian aid and essential supplies and services while most of the population remains displaced and without adequate shelter, for Germany to cite the “ceasefire” and “stabilization” in Gaza as the basis for its decision to resume arms exports is wholly disingenuous.
Violations of international law obligations by Israel committed with German weapons might also draw consequences under international criminal law for decision makers, as part of the mode of liability of “aiding and abetting” war crimes as stated in Article 25 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Human rights law, specifically the right to life, may also be violated as a consequence of arms transfers. In relation to this constitutional right, several NGOs had previously filed constitutional complaints against the German government.
Additionally, state responsibility might be triggered under the ATT and the Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts (ARSIWA). Concluded in 2013, Article 7 of the ATT obliges exporting states to deny the transfer of arms to belligerents if there is an “overriding risk” that the arms will be used in contravention to international law. ARSIWA Articles 16 and 17 further criminalize continued aid or assistance to other states committing internationally wrongful acts.
Germany’s government, under conservative chancellor Friedrich Merz, lifted partial restrictions on arms transfers to Israel put in place in August, a decision which took effect this week. Foreign Minister Wadephul stated that the decision was prepared diligently and that the situation in Gaza would continue to be closely monitored. Israel’s government, in turn, welcomed the step and called upon other governments to follow its example.
Despite this recent decision, a recent United Nations (UN) expert report, published on Monday, found that Israel broke the ceasefire concluded on 10 October 2025 at least 393 times. The UN Experts state that these violations resulted in the killing 339 Palestinians, including more than 70 children, while humanitarian access and the functionality of hospitals remain severely restricted.