Germany will halt deliveries to Israel of military equipment that could be used in operations in the Gaza Strip, taking the step over concern for humanitary suffering in the territory.
The ban on deliveries of spare parts for tanks and other defense-related goods will be in place until further notice, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday in a statement. The move was prompted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's move to secure approval for a military takeover of Gaza City.
“The German government remains deeply concerned about the ongoing suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip,” Merz said. “With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before for providing for them.”
The decision is a significant step by Germany, which has been one of Israel's strongest supporters because of its historical responsibilities stemming from the Holocaust.
Merz reaffirmed that Israel has a right to defend itself, but questioned whether further attacks on Gaza can help it achieve its goals of defeating Hamas.
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