Leading humanitarian organisations call on UN member states to halt arms transfers to Israel

At least 16 leading international humanitarian organisations, including Oxfam, Save the Children, Amnesty International and the American Friends Service Committee, have issued a joint call for all UN member states to halt arms transfers to Israel and Palestinian armed groups.

On Wednesday, the organisations said: "We demand an immediate ceasefire and call on all states to halt the transfer of weapons that can be used to commit violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. 

"All states have the obligation to prevent atrocity crimes and promote adherence to norms that protect civilians. The international community is long overdue to live up to these commitments," they added.