Chinese companies must prevent their arms, drones from being used in Israeli international crimes

Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor emphasises that companies, including Autel Robotics—a Chinese electronics and drone manufacturer—must comply with international law. They should take immediate action if they know or reasonably should know that their products are being used for serious violations. Euro-Med specifically urges addressing the growing use of Autel Robotics drones by Israel in its ongoing genocide against the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip.

Since the very beginning of the war between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022, Autel Robotics has published statements deploring the use of any drone product to harm people or property. Despite this, Autel’s drones have been extensively employed for military purposes.

From the beginning of the war between Russia and Ukraine, Autel’s drones have proven to be popular on both sides. These drones have also been extensively utilised by the IDF in the Gaza Strip since the start of the attack on 7th October 2023. Initially used for surveillance and intelligence gathering, including indoor operations, they were later used to fire directly at Palestinian civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.

In addition to aerial and artillery bombardment and ground incursions, the Israeli army has escalated its deliberate killings and extrajudicial executions of unarmed Palestinian civilians in various parts of the Strip. This includes direct targeting with snipers, electronic-controlled quadcopters, and small drones in shelter centers, hospitals, streets, and populated residential areas.