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The Guardian
08-08-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Germany halts arms exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza as global outcry grows
The German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has indicated a significant shift in Berlin's staunch support for Israel by stopping the export of military equipment that could be used in Gaza, as international partners condemned Israeli plans to take control of Gaza City. Merz issued a sharply worded statement signalling the reversal after several weeks of openly criticising of Israel's 'unclear' policy goals in Gaza and the unfolding humanitarian disaster there but stopping short of concrete consequences in policy. The German leader said Israel had the right to defend itself against Hamas and press for the release of its Israeli hostages, which he stressed was Berlin's 'highest priority' along with 'resolute negotiations on a ceasefire'. However, Merz added his government 'believes that the even tougher military action in the Gaza Strip decided on by the Israeli cabinet last night makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved'. 'Under these circumstances the German government will until further notice not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip.' Merz said his administration was 'deeply worried about the continued suffering of the civilian population' in Gaza, adding: 'With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even stronger responsibility than to date for their provisions.' After the devastating Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023, Germany strongly boosted its arms exports to Israel. Its parliament said in June that export licences for military equipment to Israel worth €485 million were granted between 7 October 2023 and 13 May 2025. Israel's security cabinet late on Thursday approved a plan to take over Gaza City, marking another escalation in the nearly two-year offensive, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and triggered a famine in the territory. The announcement drew international outrage, with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, calling on Israel to back away from its plans. 'The Israeli government's decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered,' she said on social media. '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 Gaza to deliver what is urgently needed on the ground. 'A ceasefire is needed now.' Spain's foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, denounced the Israeli decision, saying it would 'only cause more destruction and suffering'. The British prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said Israel's decision was wrong and urged it to immediately reconsider. 'This action will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages. It will only bring more bloodshed,' he said in a statement. The UN high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, said Israel's plan 'must be immediately halted', and Turkey urged the international community 'to prevent the implementation of this decision'. Germany has for decades maintained an unwavering security relationship with Israel and describes its defence has critical to its own Staatsräson – core to its national identity due to its responsibility for the Holocaust. Sign up to Headlines Europe A digest of the morning's main headlines from the Europe edition emailed direct to you every week day after newsletter promotion This robust support meant Germany declined to back recent calls within the European Union to impose sanctions on Israel for mass civilian deaths in Gaza, such as suspending an association agreement with highly favourable trade terms or shutting it out of big funding and exchange programmes such as Horizon and Erasmus. The EU has faced criticism for not taking action against Israel in the face of starvation and blockades of utilities and aid but has been bedevilled by splits within the bloc with Germany, Hungary and Austria prioritising the support of Israel's right to defend itself. In his statement on Friday, Merz reiterated that Israel must allow 'full-scale access for aid deliveries, including UN organisations and other non-governmental institutions', so as to 'continue to fully and sustainably improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza'. He added that Germany 'urgently asks the Israeli government to undertake no further steps toward an annexation of the West Bank'. Public opinion in Germany has grown increasingly critical of Israel, as horrific images of starving children and widespread civilian casualties emerge from Gaza. A poll in late July by the Forsa opinion research institute found that nearly three-quarters of respondents believed Berlin should apply more pressure on the Israeli government over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. While support for this stance was strongest from the far-left Linke (94%) and Greens (88%), most voters from the governing parties, Merz's conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the Social Democrats (SPD), shared the view, with 77% each. Adis Ahmetović, the foreign policy spokesperson of the SPD's parliamentary group, welcomed Merz's announcement on Friday but told news outlet Der Spiegel that the suspension of arms deliveries 'can only be one step – more need to follow', including a possible suspension of Israel's trade status with the EU.
The Independent
08-08-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Starmer issues warning as Israel approves plan to take control of Gaza City
Israel 's political-security cabinet approved a plan to 'take control ' of Gaza City, expanding military operations despite intensifying criticism at home and abroad. The decision was made amid a rising international outcry over a deepening humanitarian disaster in Gaza and after multiple failed attempts to mediate a ceasefire. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Israel intends to take military control of the entire Gaza Strip but wants Arab forces to govern it, not to occupy it long-term. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Australia urged Israel to reconsider the plan, warning it would not help end the conflict or secure hostage releases. The move faces internal opposition from some Israeli military officials and citizens who believe it could jeopardise the lives of remaining hostages.
