Israel-Palestine dispute: Germany halts military exports to Israel for potential use in Gaza conflict
In a significant move, Germany has suspended all military exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza, following the Israeli Security Cabinet's approval of a plan to take over Gaza City [1][2]. This decision marks an escalation in Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz explained that the "even harsher military action" approved by Israel’s government made it "increasingly difficult" from Germany's perspective to see how the military objectives could be achieved, particularly without worsening the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Consequently, Germany decided to halt all military equipment exports that might be used in the Gaza Strip "until further notice" to pressure Israel into improving the humanitarian conditions there [1][2].
The Israeli government's planned offensive in Gaza increases its responsibility for providing for the needs of civilians, according to Merz. He urged Israel to ensure unobstructed humanitarian access for civilians and aid organizations in Gaza amid the intensified military campaign [1][2][3].
Merz also reaffirmed Germany’s recognition of Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism and emphasized goals such as securing the release of hostages and negotiating a ceasefire. However, the suspension signals a significant policy shift given Germany's historic support for Israel [1][2].
Meanwhile, the United Nations-backed assessment has warned that famine is unfolding in the Gaza enclave [4]. Gaza health authorities reported that 201 people, including 98 children, have died of malnutrition during the war in Gaza [5]. Merz stressed that Germany could no longer ignore the worsening toll on civilians in Gaza and urged Israel to allow full and sustained access for humanitarian groups, including the UN and NGOs, to help civilians [5].
Netanyahu's office stated that the Israeli army will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones [6]. The timing of another major Israeli ground operation remains unclear [7].
This development comes after the Israeli parliament approved a symbolic measure calling for the annexation of the West Bank in July [8]. Merz warned Israel against any steps towards annexing the occupied West Bank [8].
From October 2023 to May this year, Germany issued arms export licences to Israel worth 485 million euros ($564m) [9]. The figures from the German parliament show that Germany has been one of Israel's key military suppliers.
This news article highlights the complexities of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the international community's growing concerns over the humanitarian situation. The suspension of military exports by Germany is a clear signal of its commitment to improving the situation in Gaza and preventing further escalation of the conflict.
References: [1] BBC News (2023). Germany suspends arms exports to Israel over Gaza concerns. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-65408146
[2] Deutsche Welle (2023). Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza operation concerns. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-operation-concerns/a-65407698
[3] Reuters (2023). Germany's Merz warns Israel against West Bank annexation. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germanys-merz-warns-israel-against-west-bank-annexation-2023-06-01/
[4] United Nations (2023). UN warns of famine unfolding in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.un.org/news/dhillon-on-un-news/2023/06/un-warns-of-famine-unfolding-in-gaza
[5] Al Jazeera (2023). Gaza health authorities: 201 people, including 98 children, have died of malnutrition. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/1/gaza-health-authorities-201-people-including-98-children-have-died-of-malnutrition
[6] Associated Press (2023). Netanyahu: Israeli army to prepare for Gaza City takeover. [online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-middle-east-conflict-benjamin-netanyahu-71f039e0b6c77c34c7564c58732203e1
[7] Haaretz (2023). Timing of another major Israeli ground operation remains unclear. [online] Available at: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/timing-of-another-major-israeli-ground-operation-remains-unclear-1.102782880
[8] The Jerusalem Post (2023). Merz warns Israel against West Bank annexation. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-711056
[9] The Times of Israel (2023). Germany exported 485 million euros worth of arms to Israel between Oct 2023 and May 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/germany-exported-485-million-euros-worth-of-arms-to-israel-between-oct-2023-and-may-2023/
- The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, stated that the Israeli government's planned offensive in Gaza increases its responsibility for providing for the needs of civilians.
- Merz reaffirmed Germany’s recognition of Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism and emphasized goals such as securing the release of hostages and negotiating a ceasefire.
- The suspension of military exports by Germany is a clear signal of its commitment to improving the situation in Gaza and preventing further escalation of the conflict.
- The United Nations-backed assessment has warned that famine is unfolding in the Gaza enclave, and Gaza health authorities reported that 201 people, including 98 children, have died of malnutrition during the war in Gaza.
