Famous celebrities more than 160 in number urge a halt to conflict in Israel
In a significant move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced the suspension of arms export approvals to Israel specifically for use in the Gaza Strip. This decision comes amid growing international criticism over Israel's approach to the ongoing Middle East conflict and the risks to civilians and hostages.
The German government, historically one of Israel's most steadfast allies and the second largest supplier of weapons to Israel after the US, has taken this step as a state actor. Chancellor Merz's focus is on securing the release of hostages and pursuing negotiations for a ceasefire, while expressing difficulty in endorsing intensified military operations approved by Israel's Security Cabinet.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his Security Cabinet are the other central figures in this development. Their approval of the offensive on Gaza City triggered Germany’s decision and sparked widespread criticism. Netanyahu has expressed disappointment over Germany's suspension of arms exports.
The situation in the Gaza Strip has been a point of criticism in an open letter signed by over 200 prominent figures, including musicians Nina Chuba and Clueso, director Fatih Akin, Israeli Golden Globe winner Ari Folman, and actress Sandra Hüller. The letter strongly condemns the horrendous crimes of Hamas, while urging Chancellor Merz to take action to prevent the "cruelest way" from being inflicted upon millions of innocent people.
As of Wednesday morning, 367 prominent figures have signed the appeal. A campaign group named Avaaz has listed 162 actors, musicians, and media figures who have called for a halt to German arms exports to Israel. Notable signatories include musicians Ski Aggu, Katharine Thalbach, Joko Winterscheidt, and Klaas Heufer-Umlauf.
The initiators of the letter have also criticised Netanyahu's plan to occupy the Gaza Strip. The "Tagesschau" was the first to report on this new development. It is important to note that the letter does not specify the nature of the "cruelest way" referred to in the open letter, nor does it mention any specific sanctions or arms exports beyond the call for action.
This move by Germany, a key ally of Israel, underscores the growing international concern over the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the impact on civilian populations. The situation continues to be closely monitored by humanitarian organizations and United Nations agencies, who are working to ensure unrestricted access for aid groups to Palestinian civilians amid the conflict.
- Despite being traditionally one of Israel's close allies in politics and weapons supply, the German government has recently made the decision to suspend arms exports to Israel, following Israel's approval of military operations in the Gaza Strip.
- Hundreds of prominent figures, including artists and directors, have strongly condemned the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip in an open letter to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, urging him to take action to prevent what they refer to as the "cruelest way" from being inflicted upon millions of innocent people.
