Complicity in Genocide: The Horror in Gaza and the Role of European Arms Manufacturers

Europe’s largest missile manufacturer, MBDA, is under scrutiny for supplying key components for bombs that have been shipped in large numbers to Israel. These bombs have been used in numerous airstrikes that have reportedly resulted in the deaths of Palestinian children and other civilians.

As concerns rise about the involvement of European companies in the devastation of Gaza, a joint investigation by The Guardian, along with independent news organizations Disclose and Follow the Money, delves into the supply chain of the GBU-39 bomb and its deployment during ongoing conflict.

Supply Chain of the GBU-39 Bomb

MBDA operates a factory in Alabama, USA, that produces the “wings” fitted to the GBU-39, a bomb manufactured by Boeing. These wings unfold after launch, enabling the bomb to be guided accurately to its target. Revenue from MBDA Incorporated in the US is funneled through MBDA UK, based in Hertfordshire, England, which then distributes profits to the MBDA group headquartered in France. Last year, MBDA distributed nearly £350 million in dividends to its three shareholders: BAE Systems from the UK, Airbus from France, and Leonardo from Italy.

In September, UK Foreign Minister David Lammy suspended certain arms export licenses to Israel, citing the risk of “serious violations” of international humanitarian law. He indicated that the action was aimed at preventing items that could be used in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Civilian Casualties and Legal Implications

Using open-source information and analysis by weapons experts, the investigation has verified 24 instances where the GBU-39 bomb was deployed in attacks that resulted in civilian casualties, including children. Many of these attacks occurred at night and targeted locations such as schools and tent camps where displaced families sought refuge. Several incidents have been flagged by the United Nations and Amnesty International as potential war crimes.

MBDA confirmed its contract with Boeing for the wings, asserting that it adheres to all relevant national and international laws related to arms trade. Campaigners argue, however, that the situation underscores the limitations of the UK’s decision to pause some arms shipments to Israel. The government’s measures do not affect military equipment exported from abroad, allowing the US branch of MBDA to continue supplying Boeing from Alabama.

On 26 May this year, a bomb struck the Fahmi al-Jarjawi school in Gaza City, killing 36 people, half of whom were children. Survivors, such as five-year-old Hanin al-Wadie, suffered severe injuries and trauma, losing her parents and sister in the attack. Her uncle, Ahmed, expressed the psychological toll the incident has taken on her, noting her fear of stepping over bodies and the urgent need for medical treatment unavailable in Gaza.

International humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools, and mandates precautions to minimize civilian harm. Failure to comply can lead to war crimes. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a command and control center used by Hamas, asserting that it took numerous steps to mitigate civilian risk.

The Role of the GBU-39 in Airstrikes

Weapons experts have identified fragments of the GBU-39 bomb in the debris of attacks. The bomb, characterized by its wings marked “NO LIFT ON WINGS,” has been a significant weapon in the Israeli military’s arsenal, with approximately 4,800 units shipped to Israel since the outbreak of conflict in October 2023. The most recent shipment included over 2,000 bombs, coinciding with reports that nearly 70% of Gaza had been reduced to rubble.

Despite its lighter payload, which is less than 250 pounds, the GBU-39 can devastate building structures. Reports indicate that in the 24 verified attacks, over 500 individuals, including at least 100 children, have lost their lives.

Investigative Findings and Reactions

The investigation indicates a dramatic increase in the use of GBU-39 bombs by the Israeli military since the conflict began, particularly in densely populated areas. Of the verified attacks, 16 targeted schools, which, although no longer functioning as educational institutions, have become shelters for displaced families. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) maintain that their operations are conducted strictly in accordance with international law, emphasizing their commitment to minimizing civilian harm.

MBDA markets its patented Diamond Back wing system as a crucial component of the GBU-39 bomb, and it is the sole supplier of these wings. However, financial details for MBDA Inc. remain opaque, making it challenging to ascertain its revenue and profits. The UK division has reported significant contributions to overall revenue, which reached £4.2 billion in 2024.

Despite the UK government’s suspension of arms export licenses, experts argue that this ban does not extend to foreign subsidiaries like MBDA Inc., which operates independently under US arms controls. Campaign Against the Arms Trade’s Sam Perlo-Freeman highlighted the need for accountability and sanctions against companies arming Israel.