Israel's military imports from Germany temporarily halted due to potential use in Gaza conflict
In a significant policy shift, the German government has suspended all military equipment exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, following the approval of Israel's plan for a complete military takeover of Gaza City and the aim to secure full control of the entire Gaza Strip.
This development, which marks a change of course for the German government, one of Israel's staunchest international allies, has drawn international condemnation. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for the plan to be immediately halted, warning that it will lead to massive forced displacement, high civilian casualties, and extensive destruction, violating international law and the ruling of the International Court of Justice.
The Israeli government's current military plan, intended to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages held in the territory, has also been opposed by families of hostages and former Israeli military officials who fear it endangers the remaining captives.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in expressing his concerns, has emphasized that the disarmament of Hamas is essential and Hamas should not play a role in the future of Gaza. However, he has also expressed doubt about the Israeli military plan's effectiveness in achieving disarmament of Hamas and a ceasefire.
Berlin remains deeply concerned about the ongoing suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. In response to this plan and the escalating conflict, Merz stated Germany could no longer ignore the worsening civilian toll and will not authorize such exports "until further notice."
Meanwhile, Israel is preparing to move Palestinians from combat zones in northern and central Gaza to southern areas, including the supply of tents and shelter equipment, ahead of its planned military offensive in heavily populated zones.
International concern has been growing over the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, where a UN-backed assessment has warned that famine is unfolding. Germany has not followed France, the United Kingdom, and Canada in announcing plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September.
On a visit to Israel last week, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul maintained Berlin's long-standing position that recognition could come only after a process of negotiation between Israel and the Palestinians but added that the process "must begin soon."
Israel has enjoyed broad support across the political spectrum in Germany, a country still seeking to atone for the World War II murder of six million Jews. However, Merz has been under pressure from some within his own coalition government, particularly members of the centre-left Social Democrats, to increase pressure on Israel.
Despite the arms export freeze, Merz has maintained Germany's support for Israel's right to self-defense. He has urged the Israeli government not to take any further steps toward annexing the West Bank, following a motion passed by 71 members of Israel's parliament calling for the government to annex the West Bank last month.
German airforce planes have recently joined other countries with airdrops of humanitarian aid over the war-battered coastal territory, demonstrating Berlin's ongoing commitment to supporting the civilian population in Gaza.
The suspension of German military equipment exports to Israel, due to concerns over their potential use in the Gaza Strip, is a significant move in the context of war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation, as it marks a shift in German foreign policy towards Israel.
The ongoing concerns about the civilian population in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian crisis are top issues in the general-news, with Germany providing humanitarian aid and expressing worries regarding the Israeli military plan's potential violations of international law.
