Germany has halted all exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Friday. The decision follows Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet.
Merz said Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas, but warned that the new military offensive makes it harder to see progress toward releasing hostages or reaching a ceasefire in the 22-month conflict. He called for more aid access to Gaza and urged Israel to address the worsening humanitarian situation.
The move marks a rare break from Germany’s long-standing strong support for Israel. Berlin has traditionally been one of Israel’s closest allies, second only to the United States, partly due to its historical responsibility for the Holocaust.
It is not yet clear which specific military equipment will be affected by the export freeze.
Other European leaders, including the foreign ministers of the Netherlands and Denmark, have also criticized Israel’s new military plan, warning it will worsen civilian suffering in Gaza. Slovenia has already banned all arms trade with Israel.
Israel’s war in Gaza began after the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have since been killed, and most of Gaza’s population has been displaced.
