Germany: German Chancellor announces partial halt to arms exports to Israel due to developments in Gaza
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Friday that his government had decided to impose a partial halt to arms exports to Israel, in light of the ongoing Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip.
Merz explained that Germany won’t approve, until further notice, any arms exports that could be used in Gaza, noting that the decision came in response to what he described as “the most severe Israeli military action” recently approved by the Israeli cabinet against the Gaza Strip.
The German Chancellor emphasized that the German government is deeply concerned about “the ongoing suffering of civilians in Gaza,” warning that the planned attack would make Israel bear greater responsibility for providing for the needs of the population there.
He called on Israel to ensure full access to humanitarian aid, including for UN organizations and non-governmental organizations.
“After the recent positive steps, Israel must continue to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza in a comprehensive and sustainable manner,” Merz said, urging the Israeli government not to take any further steps toward annexing the West Bank.
Berlin’s announcement came hours after the Israeli Security Cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to “defeat” Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Friday.
The plan stipulates that Israeli forces will assume control of Gaza City; Under the plan, humanitarian aid will be delivered to civilians outside combat zones.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Netanyahu’s residence on Thursday evening to demand an end to the war.
