Germany halts military exports that may be used in Gaza
Israel's political-security cabinet approved a plan early on Friday to take control of Gaza City, a move expanding military operations despite intensifying criticism at home and abroad over the devastating, almost two-year-old war.
Merz said it was Israel's right to disarm Hamas and to seek the release of the Israeli hostages.
"The German government believes that the even tougher military action in the Gaza Strip decided upon by the Israeli cabinet last night makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved," he said in a statement.
"Under these circumstances, the German government will not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice."
Far-right allies in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition have been pushing for a total takeover of Gaza as part of his vow to eradicate Hamas militants, though the military has warned this could jeopardise the lives of remaining hostages.
The release of the hostages and negotiations for a ceasefire are Germany's top priorities, Merz said, expressing deep concern over the suffering of civilians in the Gaza strip.
Germany's parliament said in June that export licences for military equipment to Israel worth 485 million euros ($A865 million) were granted between October 7, 2023 and May 13, 2025.
Germany has been one of Israel's strongest supporters since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Berlin has repeatedly blocked EU initiatives to sanction Israel over the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza.
with DPA
Germany will not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says in response to Israel's plan to expand its military operations.
Israel's political-security cabinet approved a plan early on Friday to take control of Gaza City, a move expanding military operations despite intensifying criticism at home and abroad over the devastating, almost two-year-old war.
Merz said it was Israel's right to disarm Hamas and to seek the release of the Israeli hostages.
"The German government believes that the even tougher military action in the Gaza Strip decided upon by the Israeli cabinet last night makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved," he said in a statement.
"Under these circumstances, the German government will not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice."
Far-right allies in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition have been pushing for a total takeover of Gaza as part of his vow to eradicate Hamas militants, though the military has warned this could jeopardise the lives of remaining hostages.
The release of the hostages and negotiations for a ceasefire are Germany's top priorities, Merz said, expressing deep concern over the suffering of civilians in the Gaza strip.
Germany's parliament said in June that export licences for military equipment to Israel worth 485 million euros ($A865 million) were granted between October 7, 2023 and May 13, 2025.
Germany has been one of Israel's strongest supporters since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Berlin has repeatedly blocked EU initiatives to sanction Israel over the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza.
with DPA
Germany will not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says in response to Israel's plan to expand its military operations.
Israel's political-security cabinet approved a plan early on Friday to take control of Gaza City, a move expanding military operations despite intensifying criticism at home and abroad over the devastating, almost two-year-old war.
Merz said it was Israel's right to disarm Hamas and to seek the release of the Israeli hostages.
"The German government believes that the even tougher military action in the Gaza Strip decided upon by the Israeli cabinet last night makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved," he said in a statement.
"Under these circumstances, the German government will not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice."
Far-right allies in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition have been pushing for a total takeover of Gaza as part of his vow to eradicate Hamas militants, though the military has warned this could jeopardise the lives of remaining hostages.
The release of the hostages and negotiations for a ceasefire are Germany's top priorities, Merz said, expressing deep concern over the suffering of civilians in the Gaza strip.
Germany's parliament said in June that export licences for military equipment to Israel worth 485 million euros ($A865 million) were granted between October 7, 2023 and May 13, 2025.
Germany has been one of Israel's strongest supporters since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Berlin has repeatedly blocked EU initiatives to sanction Israel over the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza.
with DPA
Germany will not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says in response to Israel's plan to expand its military operations.
Israel's political-security cabinet approved a plan early on Friday to take control of Gaza City, a move expanding military operations despite intensifying criticism at home and abroad over the devastating, almost two-year-old war.
Merz said it was Israel's right to disarm Hamas and to seek the release of the Israeli hostages.
"The German government believes that the even tougher military action in the Gaza Strip decided upon by the Israeli cabinet last night makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved," he said in a statement.
"Under these circumstances, the German government will not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice."
Far-right allies in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition have been pushing for a total takeover of Gaza as part of his vow to eradicate Hamas militants, though the military has warned this could jeopardise the lives of remaining hostages.
The release of the hostages and negotiations for a ceasefire are Germany's top priorities, Merz said, expressing deep concern over the suffering of civilians in the Gaza strip.
Germany's parliament said in June that export licences for military equipment to Israel worth 485 million euros ($A865 million) were granted between October 7, 2023 and May 13, 2025.
Germany has been one of Israel's strongest supporters since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Berlin has repeatedly blocked EU initiatives to sanction Israel over the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza.
with DPA
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News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
‘Dangerous': World reacts to huge Gaza move
Nations around the world on have reacted to Israel's plan to take complete control of Gaza. For US President Donald Trump, it's up to Israel to decide what to do next in the region — meaning Washington is offering quiet support for its ally's plans to expand the offensive in the war-wracked Palestinian territory. While numerous European and Arab capitals urged Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday to reconsider his decision to 'take control' of Gaza City, President Trump this week has effectively given the Israeli prime minister free rein — even if it means pushback from the international community. After nearly two years of devastating conflict, Israel's security cabinet approved Netanyahu's plan to 'defeat' Hamas, which triggered the war with its October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel. Before Israel's announcement, when asked if he could support such a plan, President Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that he was focused on securing an increase in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza to help starving Palestinians. 'As far as the rest of it, I really, I really can't say — that's going to be pretty much up to Israel,' President Trump said. Then on Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that position, telling Catholic TV network EWTN, 'Ultimately, what Israel needs to do for Israel's security will be determined by Israel.' President Trump and Mr Rubio's comments speak volumes about the US strategy: since Israel-Hamas talks on a ceasefire in Gaza fell apart, Washington has broadly embraced Israel's views following US envoy Steve Witkoff's visit last week. Details of Mr Witkoff's meeting with Mr Netanyahu have not been made public, but it is hard to imagine that President Trump's emissary was not briefed on Israel's plans. While Washington has amped up the pressure on Israel to allow more aid into the Gaza Strip, it has also insisted that all Israeli hostages — dead or alive — be freed from Hamas captivity and the complete annihilation of the militant group. 'Our goals are very clear,' US Vice President JD Vance said Friday during talks with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. 'We want to make it so that Hamas cannot attack innocent Israeli civilians ever again, and we think that has to come through the eradication of Hamas.' Since returning to the White House in January, President Trump has offered Israel iron-clad support, even while pushing for better humanitarian support. He seemed to throw in the towel on securing a ceasefire following repeated failed efforts at mediation, especially after talks crumbled late last month in Doha when Hamas refused a deal to free the hostages. Hamas still has 49 Israeli hostages abducted during the October 2023 attack, 27 of whom are presumed dead. The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee — who is prone to making eyebrow-raising statements — slammed all criticism of Israel's plans for Gaza. 'So Israel is expected to surrender to Hamas & feed them even though Israeli hostages are being starved?' Mr Huckabee wrote on social media. 'Did UK surrender to Nazis and drop food to them?' he said in response to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called Netanyahu's approach 'wrong.' In his interview with EWTN, Rubio said 'as long as Hamas exists, particularly exists as an armed organisation, there will never be peace in Gaza.' Mr Rubio said he understood why the famine facing Palestinians in the territory was getting 'almost all the media coverage' but lamented what he called a lack of attention to the plight of the remaining Israeli hostages. In recent weeks, Washington has sharply criticised international initiatives to formally recognise a Palestinian state, led notably by French President Emmanuel Macron, warning that it emboldens Hamas not to give up. World reacts to Israel's huge Gaza move Nations around the world on Friday condemned Israel's plan to wrest control of Gaza City, saying it would only worsen the conflict and lead to more bloodshed. Here is a roundup of global reactions: UN: 'dangerous escalation' United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Israel's plan was a 'dangerous escalation' that risked worsening conditions for ordinary Palestinians. UN human rights chief Volker Turk said the plan must be 'immediately halted'. Israel should instead allow 'the full, unfettered flow of humanitarian aid' and Palestinian armed groups must unconditionally release hostages, he added. Diplomatic sources told AFP several countries had requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over the Israeli plans. EU: 'consequences' for Israel ties 'The Israeli government's decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered,' European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on X. She called for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and 'immediate and unhindered access' for humanitarian aid in Gaza. European Council president Antonio Costa warned that 'such a decision must have consequences' for EU-Israel ties. 'The situation in Gaza remains dramatic, and the decision by the Israeli government will only further worsen it,' he posted on X. Hamas: 'War crime' Hamas denounced the Israeli government's plan as 'a new war crime that the occupation army intends to commit against' Gaza and warned that the operation would 'cost it dearly'. Iran: 'Genocide' In Hamas's backer Iran, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Israel's plan was 'another clear sign of the Zionist regime's specific intention to ethnically cleanse Gaza and commit genocide against the Palestinians'. China: Gaza for Palestinians 'Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory,' a foreign ministry spokesperson told AFP. 'The correct way to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to secure the release of hostages is an immediate ceasefire.' Germany: arms exports cut Chancellor Friedrich Merz said it was 'increasingly difficult to understand' how the Israeli military plan would help achieve legitimate aims. 'Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice,' he added. UK: 'More bloodshed' 'This action will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages,' Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, adding that it would 'only bring more bloodshed'. France: 'Dead end' 'Such actions would constitute further serious violations of international law and lead to a complete dead end,' France's foreign ministry said in a statement posted to social media. 'They would undermine the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians to live in peace within a viable, sovereign and contiguous state, and pose a threat to regional stability.' Turkey: International pressure Turkey urged global pressure to halt the plan. 'We call on the international community to fulfil its responsibilities to prevent the implementation of this decision, which aims to forcibly displace Palestinians from their own land,' said a foreign ministry statement. Spain: 'Destruction and suffering' 'We firmly condemn the decision of the Israeli government to escalate the military occupation of Gaza,' said Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. 'It will only cause more destruction and suffering.' He added that 'a permanent ceasefire, the immediate and massive entry of humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages are urgently needed'. Saudi Arabia: 'Ethnic cleansing' The foreign ministry wrote on X that Riyadh 'categorically condemns its persistence in committing crimes of starvation, brutal practices, and ethnic cleansing against the brotherly Palestinian people'. Jordan: Palestinians' rights A statement issued by the Royal Court said King Abdullah condemned a move 'which undermines the two-state solution and the rights of the Palestinian people'.
SBS Australia
an hour ago
- SBS Australia
International community condemns Israel's Gaza takeover plan
Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts . TRANSCRIPT International criticism of Israel's plan to further escalate military actions in Gaza A possible meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine. And in sport, the Raiders continue their rapid-fire return to the top of the NRL ladder. The international community has broadly condemned Israel's plans to intensify its military operations in Gaza. Top United Nations officials say the plan to seize Gaza runs counter to international law, and the German government has announced it will suspend the sale of arms for use in the assault on Gaza until further notice. Britain and other key European allies have also joined Australia in opposing the complete Gaza takeover, calling on Israel to reconsider. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says the decision is wrong. "This action is not going to contribute to an improvement in the humanitarian situation on the ground. It is going to put the lives of the hostages at greater risk rather than lessening it. We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire." Greens senator David Shoebridge says the Australian government needs to go beyond 'hollow rhetoric' in its response to the Israeli government's plan to occupy all of Gaza. Labor has condemned the move in a statement saying forced permanent displacement was a violation of international law, whilst calling for a ceasefire, the return of hostages, and the unimpeded flow of aid. The Greens have been calling for sanctions on the Israel and for the government cease two way arms trade. Mr Shoebridge says there are further actions that could be taken. "What we get again from the Albanese government is a series of words increasing the empty hollow rhetoric condemning the actions of doing nothing. Nothing practical nothing material to try and stop this escalation of violence in a situation which is already a genocide." Israel strongly denies the allegation it is committing genocide in Gaza. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he believes a ceasefire is possible, as the US and Russian leaders prepare to hold a possible face-to-face meeting. US President Donald Trump had signalled he would intensify sanction targeting Russia if President Vladimir Putin didn't agree to a ceasefire by Friday. Now both presidents say they are prepared to meet to advance negotiations towards ending the war, although Mr Zelenskyy may not be included. The Ukrainian leader says he is talking with partners to try and find a common position for a solid peace in Ukraine. "We are in constant communication with the American side, and our partners are talking to the United States of America. Everyone is united by the awareness that there is a possibility of achieving at least a ceasefire, and everything depends on putting the right pressure on Russia. It is there that a decision must be made that the war they started must be ended by them." The New South Wales government has strongly defended its decision to pay two million dollars in compensation to Kathleen Folbigg, who spent 20 years in jail after her wrongful conviction for killing her four children. The payment has been widely criticised as inadequate, with supporters citing her lost opportunities and the economic circumstances now faced by the now 58-year-old. But Premier Chris Minns says Ms Folbigg is free to sue the state government if they feel the grace payment is inadequate. He says he won't budge without a court order. "There's no NDA (non disclosure agreement) involved. There's no future action that cannot be pursued by Ms Folbigg or her lawyers. But you have to appreciate it's not my money. This is public money. We'd have to take it from another initiative. And this was the most amount that we could justify, given it would come from other resources." The prospect of a Canberra-versus-Penrith grand final is gathering speed following the Raiders' rapid-fire return to the top of the NRL ladder. A try-scoring hat-trick from 20-year-old five-eighth Ethan Strange helped Ricky Stuart's relentless Raiders repel an ambush from Manly and add to the Sea Eagles' woes with a 28-12 win in chilly Canberra last night. Rebounding from a shock first defeat last week against St George Illawarra, the Raiders' pivotal win knocks Melbourne off a perch the Storm only enjoyed for 24 hours after Thursday night's 22-2 triumph over Brisbane. With the Panthers entering the top four for the first time all season after extending their own mid-season winning run to nine games with a 48-12 win in Newcastle, fans dream of a repeat of the classic 1990 and 1991 title deciders.
Sky News AU
2 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Israel to take security control of Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet has signed off on plans to bring Gaza under Israeli military control. The Palestinian Ambassador has called Israel's extended plans 'crazy' and 'irresponsible'. Much of Gaza is now either under military control, marked for evacuation or designated as militarised zones.
