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German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz said on Friday that he would not allow exports of military equipment that can be used in Gaza “until further notice.”
The move from Berlin, a historically stubborn supporter of Israel, comes after the Israeli Cabinet announced plans to take over Gaza.
In a statement, Meltz stressed that Israel has the right to protect itself from Hamas’ fears, saying that the release of Israeli hostages and “deliberate” negotiations for the ceasefire of the war in 22 months is our number one priority.
He also said Hamas should not play a role in Gaza’s future governance.
“The even more stringent military action by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli (security) Cabinet last night, is making it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals are achieved,” he added.
“In these circumstances, the German government will not allow the export of military equipment that can be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.”
He said the German government is deeply concerned about the suffering of civilians in Gaza. “The planned attacks put the Israeli government even more responsible than before for providing their needs,” Merz explained.
He called on Israel to grant comprehensive access to the delivery of aid, including UN organizations and other NGOs, saying Israel must “continue to address Gaza’s humanitarian situation in a comprehensive and sustainable way.”
Germany also called on the Israeli government to “not take further steps towards annexing the West Bank.”
Israel imports almost 70% of its military weapons from the United States, the world’s largest arms exporter. Germany is Israel’s second largest supplier, and since the Israeli-Hamas War in Gaza began in October 2023, Berlin has exported 485 million euros of arms.
Italy is third, supplying less than 1% of Israeli military kits.
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Mertz’s comments come amidst the marine changes among many Western countries about how the war with Hamas in Gaza has been fought and the resulting humanitarian crisis.
In July, foreign ministers from 28 countries, including Belgium and the UK; A joint statement has been issued Israel must comply with international law by saying that the war “must end now.”
The Foreign Minister said “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths,” and criticised him for “they are seeking to meet the most basic needs of water and food, drip in aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children.”
In January, Israel banned UNRWA’s Palestinians from operating aid, claiming that its agents had turned their blind to Hamas members.
The responsibility for the distribution of aid has been handed over to the uncertain American Aid Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Its delivery methods have been criticized by established aid groups at four distribution sites across Gaza, and people are often killed in a squash of crowds or after Israeli forces or security contractors fire near the aiders.
Last month, French President Emmanuel Macron added that France recognized Palestine as a province of the United Nations General Assembly in September, hoping that the move will bring peace to the region.
Shortly after that announcement, the Portuguese government said it was consulting the country’s major political parties about its potential perception of the Palestinian state.
Additional sources •AP
