Strasbourg: The Council of Europe for Human Rights on Tuesday issued a cautionary statement against the sale of arms to Israel, urging its 46 member states to ensure that these weapons are not used in human rights violations in Gaza.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Council’s Commissioner, Michael O’Flaherty, emphasized the need for member states to intensify their efforts to prevent and address violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws in the ongoing Gaza conflict. He stressed the importance of enforcing existing legal standards to prevent arms transfers that might be used to commit fundamental rights violations.

In a related development, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced the suspension of arms exports that could potentially be used by Israel in its military actions in the Gaza Strip. This decision marks a notable change in Berlin’s policy regarding its traditional ally, Israel.

The Council of Europe, based in Strasbourg, is recognized as Europe’s foremost human rights and democracy watchdog.