Germany cuts off arms to Israel following Gaza invasion approval
Merz said that the halt would last "until further notice" because he was very worried about how the humanitarian situation in Gaza was getting worse. He made it clear that freeing Israeli prisoners and making progress toward a peace deal are still Germany's top objectives.
In a formal statement, Merz said, "It is getting harder to see how the Israeli military's current plan helps them reach their legitimate goals."
As a result of its planned military action in the city, the Chancellor said, the Israeli government is now more responsible than ever for keeping people safe in Gaza. He said again that Germany wants UN agencies and relief groups to be able to send food across the Gaza Strip without any problems.
Merz also told Israel that it shouldn't take any more steps toward annexing the West Bank, because that could make things even worse.
Germany has been one of Israel's best friends in Europe for a long time, so this move is a big change from their usual position. In June, the German government said that Berlin had given the go-ahead for €485 million (about $564 million) worth of weapons sales to Israel from October 7, 2023, to May 13, 2025.
The move shows that Europe is becoming more worried about Israel's military actions in Gaza and how the humanitarian situation there is getting worse.
Israel's Security Cabinet officially accepted a plan to take control of Gaza City, which would add to the country's already large military operation in the Gaza Strip, which has been going on for almost two years. The choice was made because of growing complaints at home and abroad over the amount of damage and the high number of civilian deaths.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
3 hours ago
- Roya News
EU warns 'Israel's' Gaza occupation plan could harm relations
European Council President Antonio Costa has sharply criticized 'Israel's' decision to assume control of Gaza City, warning that such a move could damage relations between the European Union and 'Israel'. 'I strongly urge the Israeli government to reconsider its decision,' Costa wrote Friday on X, adding, 'Such a decision must have consequences for EU-Israel relations, to be assessed by the Council,' referring to the body representing the bloc's 27 member states. I strongly urge the Israeli government to reconsider its decision to take over Gaza City. Such an operation — together with the continued illegal expansion of settlements in the West Bank, the massive destruction in Gaza, the blockade of humanitarian aid, and the spread of famine… — António Costa (@eucopresident) August 8, 2025 Costa cautioned that the situation in Gaza is already dire and argued that the planned takeover would 'only further worsen it.' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed his call, urging 'Israel' to reverse course. 'The Israeli government's decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered,' she wrote on X. She also demanded the release of all hostages held in Gaza and insisted on 'immediate and unhindered access' for humanitarian aid. 'A ceasefire is needed now,' she said. The Israeli government's decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered. At the same time, there must be the release of all hostages, who are being held in inhumane conditions. And humanitarian aid must be given immediate and unhindered access to… — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 8, 2025 The EU has faced internal divisions over the war in Gaza, with countries such as Germany historically standing firmly behind 'Israel', while others, including Spain, have been more vocal in defending Palestinian rights. - Shifting tone in Brussels - Last month, the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas presented potential measures to penalize 'Israel' after it was found to be in violation of a cooperation agreement on human rights. Proposals have included suspending 'Israel's' eligibility for EU funding programs that support technology start-ups, an idea that still awaits approval from member states. The EU also announced plans to expand humanitarian aid to Gaza, though senior officials admit that implementation has been only partial. Some member states are now taking unilateral steps. Germany, in a marked policy shift, announced Friday that it would halt exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza. Belgium also said it was summoning the 'Israeli' ambassador to convey its 'total disapproval' of the planned military takeover of Gaza. The rhetoric within EU institutions is also intensifying. European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera told Politico that 'Israel's' actions 'look very much' like genocide, pointing to widespread starvation, displacement, and civilian deaths. Her comments followed a letter from three political groups in the European Parliament, the Socialists, Greens, and the Left, addressed to EU leadership earlier this week. The letter stated, 'There is clear evidence that a genocide is being committed in Gaza,' and called for immediate action.
Al Bawaba
3 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
China blocks US move to legitimize Syria's Al-Sharaa — What's Next?
ALBAWABA - Western diplomatic sources say that China is strongly against the US's efforts to get the UN Security Council to pass a resolution lifting sanctions against Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. China's possible veto could stop the plan in its tracks. The U.S. move is meant to improve the reputation of Syria's temporary government in the eyes of other countries in return for political and security promises made to Washington. Sources say Beijing is still strongly against it, citing worries about national security rather than a desire to compete politically with the U.S. China's main concern is the 84th Division's position in the reorganized Syrian army. This is a special unit said to be made up of about 3,500 Uyghur soldiers with ties to the Turkistan Islamic Party, which China considers to be a terrorist organization. Beijing sees the group's position in Syria as a direct threat to the safety of its own country. Even though Al-Sharaa's name is still on the UN's list of terrorist groups, that won't stop him from traveling to New York for next month's UN General Assembly. Reports say that Washington is thinking about asking for a special exception that would let Al-Sharaa into the U.S. for the event. There has been a lot of political back and forth over this issue before the General Assembly. While Washington wants to make it easier for Al-Sharaa to fully participate, including speaking at the UN, China is still adamantly against it. As a result, different possible outcomes are being considered, such as limiting involvement through high-level side talks. NEW: View from China: New Syria, old problem As the US pushes for Syria's Sharaa to be removed from the UN sanctions list ahead of UNGA's 80th session, China is not convinced, @roscarroll_ writes in this week's Middle East-China — AL-Monitor (@AlMonitor) August 7, 2025 During his visit, Al-Sharaa is likely to meet behind closed doors with world leaders, UN officials, and European ministers. Even though it doesn't look like they will be able to meet with President Trump directly, the trip may help the Syrian temporary government project some international authority, even if they don't give an official UN speech. Analysts see this as a test of how power works in the world, especially between the US and China. Washington wants to convince its friends in the region that they can help Damascus get back into the country while avoiding a public fight with Beijing. Political experts say that a limited foreign exemption might be a good compromise that would allow continued cooperation with the temporary government without making things worse. For its part, China is using the file to make its positions on sovereignty, fighting terrorism, and handling international crises stronger. People who follow China say that its position is based on both security worries and a larger strategic calculation in the Middle East, where Syria plays a part in energy, trade, and building projects, and could even join the Belt and Road Initiative in the future.
Al Bawaba
8 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
Germany cuts off arms to Israel following Gaza invasion approval
ALBAWABA - In a big change in policy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that Germany will stop sending military equipment to Israel that could be used in its current war in Gaza. He said this because of worries about Israel's new plan to take Gaza City. Also Read "Walking into a trap": Israeli army chief opposes Netanyahu's plan Merz said that the halt would last "until further notice" because he was very worried about how the humanitarian situation in Gaza was getting worse. He made it clear that freeing Israeli prisoners and making progress toward a peace deal are still Germany's top objectives. In a formal statement, Merz said, "It is getting harder to see how the Israeli military's current plan helps them reach their legitimate goals." As a result of its planned military action in the city, the Chancellor said, the Israeli government is now more responsible than ever for keeping people safe in Gaza. He said again that Germany wants UN agencies and relief groups to be able to send food across the Gaza Strip without any problems. Merz also told Israel that it shouldn't take any more steps toward annexing the West Bank, because that could make things even worse. Germany has been one of Israel's best friends in Europe for a long time, so this move is a big change from their usual position. In June, the German government said that Berlin had given the go-ahead for €485 million (about $564 million) worth of weapons sales to Israel from October 7, 2023, to May 13, 2025. The move shows that Europe is becoming more worried about Israel's military actions in Gaza and how the humanitarian situation there is getting worse. Israel's Security Cabinet officially accepted a plan to take control of Gaza City, which would add to the country's already large military operation in the Gaza Strip, which has been going on for almost two years. The choice was made because of growing complaints at home and abroad over the amount of damage and the high number of civilian deaths.
