Germany will suspend the export of military equipment to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Friday, citing concerns over Israel’s planned operation to take control of Gaza City.
The move represents a significant policy shift for Berlin, which has long been one of Israel’s closest international partners. Merz said it was becoming “increasingly difficult to understand” how the military plan would advance Israel’s stated objectives of disarming Hamas and securing the release of hostages.
“Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice,” the chancellor said.
He emphasized that Israel now bears an even greater responsibility to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza’s civilians and called for full access for UN agencies and other humanitarian organizations.
The announcement comes amid mounting international alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a UN-supported assessment has warned of an unfolding famine. Merz also urged Israel to refrain from any further steps toward annexing the West Bank.
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