More than 250 groups call on countries to halt arm sales to Israel

Over 250 rights groups and humanitarian organisations have signed their names to a statement urging countries around the world to halt the sale and transfer of arms to Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

The statement says "Israel continues to use explosive weapons and munitions in densely populated areas with massive humanitarian consequences for the people of Gaza".

"World leaders have urged the Israeli government to reduce civilian casualties, yet Israeli military operations in Gaza continue to kill people at unprecedented levels," the statement said.

The groups, including Oxfam, Center for Civilians in Conflict, Save the Children, and Amnesty International, also called on countries to stop arming Palestinian armed groups.