Secret French Arms Exports to Israel Unveiled
An investigative report by the French website Disclose has revealed that the French company Thales, known for its military industry prowess, supplied Israel with communication equipment for the Hermes 900 drones. These drones were used by the Israeli occupation army to bomb targets in Gaza, including a hospital in February 2024. This revelation contradicts the French Ministry of Defense's statements that arms exports to Israel were limited to defensive equipment related to the Iron Dome system.
French Custom Regulations Violated
The Disclose report highlighted that Thales delivered the communication systems in 2024 despite French customs prohibiting the export of such equipment. The investigative report also uncovered that Paris clandestinely sent 100,000 machine gun ammunition to Israel in October 2023. This shipment was facilitated by the French company Orolinks, contradicting the French government's commitments. French Defense Minister Sebastien Le Cornu denied these accusations, claiming the export licenses were meant for third countries.
Continued Unrest in Gaza Amidst Ongoing Military Operations
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with ongoing Israeli military operations causing significant casualties. According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, recent bombings resulted in the deaths of five people in Gaza and two in Rafah. The local Ministry of Health reports a total death toll of 37,347 since October 7, with 85,372 injured. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated that targeted operations in Rafah have neutralized multiple threats, including weapons caches and structures equipped with explosives used by Hamas. Meanwhile, attacks continue throughout Gaza, resulting in widespread destruction and further civilian casualties.
- The Disclose report's findings cast a harsh light on the transparency and accountability of France's arms export policies, particularly with regard to conflicts in the Middle East.
- Netanyahu's dissolution of the war cabinet amid recent resignations adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict, possibly influencing future military and political strategies in Gaza.
- Continuous heavy attacks by Israeli forces, as reported by Al Jazeera, have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the destruction of homes and infrastructure further displacing residents and straining limited resources.
