Germany chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday announced that German will suspend the export of military equipment to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip. This announcement came in response to Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City.Merz said it was becoming “increasingly difficult to understand” how the Israeli military plan would help achieve legitimate goals of disarming Hamas and securing the release of hostages. “Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice,” he said. He added that, with the planned offensive, Israel bore an even greater responsibility to ensure humanitarian aid reached civilians in Gaza. Merz renewed Germany’s call for full access for UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations to operate in the enclave.The decision marks a significant shift in Germany’s stance, as Berlin has long been considered one of Israel’s strongest international allies. He stressed that, with the planned offensive, the Israeli government now bore an even greater responsibility to ensure humanitarian aid reached civilians in Gaza.His remarks come amid rising international concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a UN-backed report has warned that famine is unfolding.The chancellor reiterated Germany’s call for full and unhindered access for UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations to operate in the enclave. Merz also urged Israel not to take any further steps toward annexing the West Bank, warning that such actions could heighten tensions and further undermine peace efforts.
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