Europe/IOPT: EU states allowing the sale of Israel Bonds in Europe risk complicity in ongoing genocide in Gaza

Amnesty International has urged Luxembourg, Ireland, and all EU member states to halt the sale of Israel Bonds, warning that continued sales risk complicity in Israel's alleged genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The organization highlights that Israel has significantly increased the issuance of these bonds since October 7, 2023, to finance its military activities, with proceeds going into the general state budget. Amnesty International's Europe Regional Director, Steve Cockburn, stated, "Allowing these bonds to be sold in the EU markets comes with an enormous ethical and legal cost."

• Ireland's Central Bank acted as the 'home member state' for Israel Bonds in the EU until 2025, when the program transferred to Luxembourg.
• Luxembourg's financial regulatory authority approved the prospectus for Israel Bonds, allowing their sale in Austria, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
• The prospectus in Luxembourg is set to expire on August 31, and Amnesty International is calling on Luxembourg and other EU states to reject any new approvals.
• The call comes in light of the International Court of Justice's January 2024 determination of a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza, which places heightened obligations on states to prevent it.