Germany Halts Israeli Arms Exports Over Gaza Concerns
Israeli navy ships and submarines, built by German shipyards, have been linked to incidents involving the Gaza flotilla and Palestinian coastal areas. The German government has recently halted 'Israel news' exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza.
In May, the 'Conscience' ship was damaged by an explosive device off Malta, with Israel suspected to be behind the attack. More recently, drones dropped incendiary devices on ships 'Family' and 'Alma', potentially violating Tunisian sovereignty and international law if carried out by Israel.
Critics suggest that Israel's surface and underwater ships, including its six 'Dolphin' class submarines built in Germany, could be used in the Gaza war. The German government has acknowledged these concerns, announcing in August that it would no longer issue approvals for 'Israel news' exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza.
Israel's navy, consisting of around 50 ships and boats, has intercepted nearly all of the around 50 ships in the Global Sumud Flotilla, kidnapping the crews. Fourteen Germans remain in Israeli custody. A report by CBS News suggests that drone attacks on ships of the international Gaza flotilla may have originated from an Israeli submarine.
The involvement of Israeli navy ships and submarines, built by German shipyards, in incidents related to the Gaza flotilla and Palestinian coastal areas has raised concerns. The German government's decision to halt 'Israel news' exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza reflects these worries. The fate of the fourteen German crew members still in Israeli custody remains uncertain.
