German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on 8/8 that he "increasingly doesn't understand" how Israel's latest military plan in the Gaza Strip will help achieve the goal of disarming Hamas and rescuing hostages.
"Given this situation, the German government will not approve the export of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice," he said, adding that Berlin remains extremely concerned about the suffering of the people there.
The German leader did not specify which military equipment would be affected by the suspension.
Despite restricting arms exports to Israel, Chancellor Merz emphasized that Tel Aviv has the right to defend itself against Hamas. He also affirmed that rescuing hostages and negotiating a ceasefire remain Berlin's top priorities.
"Disarming Hamas is crucial. The militant group cannot be allowed to play a role in the Gaza Strip in the future," he said.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks in Hanover on 22/7. Photo: AFP |
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks in Hanover on 22/7. Photo: AFP
The announcement came after the Israeli cabinet on Tuesday approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to deploy the military to control Gaza City, the largest city in the territory. Before the decision was approved, Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel intends to control the entire Gaza Strip, but will not govern it. Israel has claimed it already controls 75% of Gaza.
The UN and several countries condemned the Israeli government's plan and called on Tel Aviv to reverse its decision.
The move marks a significant policy shift for Germany, which has long been one of Israel's closest international allies.
From the outbreak of the conflict in the Gaza Strip in 10/2023 to 5/2025, Berlin approved 565 million USD worth of defense export contracts to Tel Aviv. These shipments included guns, ammunition, weapons components, electronics, and armored vehicles.
However, Chancellor Merz's stance toward Israel has hardened in recent months amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. A poll published this week by German media showed that 66% of Germans expect their government to take stronger action to influence Israel's actions in Gaza.
While frequently expressing concern, Germany has previously avoided taking concrete action. Although the UK, France, and Canada announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September, Germany did not follow suit, stating that it would only do so after Israel and Palestine had finished negotiations.
Pham Giang (According to AFP)
