Germany Halts Arms Supply To Israel Over Gaza Takeover Plan
…As UK, UN, Others Oppose Israel’s Move
Germany has announced the suspension of arms exports to Israel over the latter’s decision to proceed with a controversial takeover of Gaza City.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced this on Friday.
This marks a significant policy shift by one of Israel’s most consistent allies in Europe.
Speaking in the German capital Berlin, Merz stressed that while Germany continues to support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, the Israeli Cabinet’s latest decision to intensify military operations in Gaza has raised serious concerns about the direction of the conflict.
“The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli Cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved,” Merz said.
As a result, Germany will halt authorisation of any military exports that could be deployed in the conflict, “until further notice.”
The move marks a rare public rebuke from Germany, which had previously refrained from the tougher measures adopted by other EU members.
It also comes as the international community grows uneasy over Israel’s war strategy, with the United Nations and families of hostages still held in Gaza raising alarm at the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis.
Merz reiterated Germany’s commitment to the safe release of Israeli hostages and called for purposeful negotiations towards a ceasefire.
He also made clear that Hamas must play no part in Gaza’s future governance.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday also criticised Israel’s move, calling the planned takeover of Gaza City “wrong” and urging Israel to “reconsider immediately.”
“This action will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages. It will only bring more bloodshed,” Starmer said, calling instead for a ceasefire, an increase in humanitarian aid, and a two-state solution.
Hamas also voiced its opposition to the plan, calling it a “full-fledged war crime” and warning it would come at a “high cost.”
In a statement, the group accused Israel of trying to evade legal responsibility by replacing the term “occupation” with “control,” and claimed the move derailed negotiations that were close to a breakthrough.
Furthermore, the Palestinian Authority described the Israeli plan as a “blatant violation of international humanitarian law” that would trigger an “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.”
It urged urgent international intervention, including from the UN Security Council, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Turkey’s foreign ministry also weighed in, calling the move part of Israel’s “expansionist and genocidal policy.”
They urged the international community to take binding steps against what it described as actions “contrary to international law and humanitarian values.”
Meanwhile, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said Israel’s plan “must be immediately halted.”
“This further escalation will result in more massive forced displacement, more killing, more unbearable suffering, senseless destruction and atrocity crimes,” Türk warned.
He urged Israel to comply with international rulings, particularly the International Court of Justice’s order to prevent genocide in Gaza and end its occupation of the region.
Germany Halts Arms Supply To Israel Over Gaza Takeover Plan is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
