Humanitarian Aid Transportation to Gaza Announced by Merz
Germany has taken a significant step in addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip by establishing a humanitarian air bridge in cooperation with Jordan. The initiative, announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aims to deliver essential aid to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population in the territory.
The operation, which began in late July 2025, is being coordinated by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who is working closely with his counterparts in France and the United Kingdom to facilitate aid transport efforts. Two A400M transport aircraft have been deployed to Jordan as part of this air bridge to begin aid deliveries.
Merz emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the people in Gaza must be quickly, safely, and adequately supplied with humanitarian and medical aid. He also called on Israel to immediately and sustainably improve the situation in the Gaza Strip and urged Hamas to agree to a comprehensive ceasefire.
The German government acknowledges that this aid will be limited in scope and can only provide partial relief. However, the air bridge is accompanied by Germany’s broader diplomatic efforts, including potential measures to pressure Israel to improve humanitarian access to Gaza.
Germany’s initiative is distinct from—and seen as complementary or alternative to—Israel’s own humanitarian efforts. Some discourse notes the difficulty in preventing aid from reaching militants once it’s in Gaza due to Hamas’s control over distribution.
In addition to the air bridge, Merz announced a reconstruction conference for Gaza, but no further details were provided. He also stated that Germany does not see the recognition of Palestine as the first step, but at most as a "final step" in a peace process.
Merz will exchange views again this weekend with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is expected to travel to the region on Thursday for further discussions.
It's worth noting that Germany stands by Israel's side during the current conflict, although Merz also stated that the Hamas terrorist attack of October 23, 2023, was the trigger for the current fighting. He also emphasized that there must be no further steps towards the annexation of the West Bank and that further "deportations from the Gaza Strip" should not take place.
References:
[1] Deutsche Welle (2025). Germany to establish humanitarian air bridge to Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-establish-humanitarian-air-bridge-to-gaza/a-59941931
[2] The Jerusalem Post (2025). Germany to coordinate humanitarian aid to Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/germany-to-coordinate-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza-686036
[3] The Times of Israel (2025). Germany to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza via Jordan. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/germany-to-deliver-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza-via-jordan/
[4] The Guardian (2025). Germany launches humanitarian air bridge to Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/30/germany-launches-humanitarian-air-bridge-to-gaza
The German government's establishment of a humanitarian air bridge to Gaza, as announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is a part of the general news, focusing on war-and-conflicts and politics. The operation, which includes delivering essential aid, is being coordinated with France and the United Kingdom, showcasing international cooperation in addressing the critical circumstances in Gaza. Germany's broader diplomatic efforts also aim to pressure Israel to improve humanitarian access to Gaza, indicating a political approach to resolving the ongoing crisis.
