Germany Halts Exports Of Military Equipment To Israel That Could Be Used In Gaza
BERLIN (AP) – Germany will not allow any military equipment to be used in Gaza, “Until the next announcement”, chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday, one of the most powerful international supporters of Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet showed a quick response to a decision. To take over the City of Gaza.
The movement of Germany, which had previously stopped the inadequate lines against the Israeli government, previously taken by the European Union allies, was likely to isolate Israel after the military acquisition plan rejected by the United Nations, aid and Human Rights groups. Still edited in GazaAmong others.
Merz emphasized that Israel has the right to defend himself against terrorism, and said that the release of Israeli hostages and the negotiations for ceasefire in the 22 -month clashes were “our biggest priority”. Hamas said that Gaza should not have a role in the future.
“The more harsh military action of the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli Cabinet last night, makes it difficult for the German government to see how to achieve these goals,” he said. “Under these conditions, the German government will not allow any military equipment that can be used in the Gaza Strip until the next announcement.”
It was not immediately clear which military equipment would be affected by Germany.
Responsibility weight
The German government is deeply worried about the pain of civilians in Gaza, and Merz added: “The planned attack is more responsible than before to meet the needs of the Israeli government.”
The authority called on Israel to allow comprehensive access to aid deliveries, including UN organizations and other NGOs, and said that Israel should “continue to handle a comprehensive and sustainable way in Gaza.”
The movement has a particular weight because Germany is seen as one of the most powerful supporters of Israel – probably overcome only by the USA. Germany has continued a pro -Israel stance for decades because of its historical responsibility for the Holocaust, which shaped the post -war foreign policy to ensure the security of Israel and the fight against anti -Semitism.
Merz government, Key German ally French President Emmanuel Macron And they plan to officially recognize a Palestinian state in September, Britain’s Keir Starmer in September.
The reluctance of the EU’s greatest economic power to draw a more challenging line to the actions of Netanyahu’s government International pressure may have an impact on Israel’s decisions.
Israel’s air and land war has already killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza, Most of the population displaced– WIDE AREAS OF DOLES And pushed the region towards famine. When the campaign, led by Hamas, entered Israel on October 7, 2023, killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 people.
Merz also called the Israeli government not to “take other steps to annex the West Bank”.
Other European countries express their concerns
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said that Netanyahu’s plan to intensify the operations in Gaza is “a wrong move”. “He added that the human situation is a catastrophe and demanded immediately improvement. This decision does not contribute to it in any way and will not help take hostages home.”
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said by the public publisher DR: “The Israeli government’s decision to intensify the military operation in Gaza is wrong. It will only cause more pain for the civilian population.”
Last week, even before the Gaza City inheritance plane, Slovenia In response to the imports, exports of all weapons, and in response to Israel The country’s actions in Gaza – Saying this is The first EU member state to do this.
Last month, mostly two dozen European countries condemned Israel’s restrictions on the murders of hundreds of Palestinians who are trying to reach food to Gaza and the murders of Gaza.
Anger on Israel’s actions in Gaza grew in Europe because the Palestinians protested in London, Berlin, Brussels and other capitals. More recently, almost daily Murders of Palestinians while searching for help They tested the EU’s friendly relationship with Israel as never before.
The Israeli decision, which was taken after the meeting of senior officials late at night, came despite international calls to end the war and protests by many people in Israel. Hales organized by Hamas. Tens of thousands of Palestinians are once again preparing to be forced from their homes, and their families are afraid that their loved ones will not return.
Most hostages were released in firearms or other agreements, but 50 people stay in Gaza. Israel believes that about 20 of them are alive.
The timing of another great Israeli ground operation remains uncertain, because thousands of troops will mobilize and forcibly evacuate civilians, almost certainly worse the human disaster.
