Germany Says It Will Suspend Military Exports to Israel for Use in Gaza [View all]
Critical of Israel’s intention to occupy more of Gaza and under pressure from his center-left coalition partners, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany said on Friday that Germany would not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza “until further notice.”
Given the history of the Holocaust, Germany has made the survival of Israel one of its own basic principles of state. To suspend arms shipments to Israel is consequently a significant step and break with the postwar past, even if it is not expected to have a big impact on Israel’s ability to conduct future operations in Gaza.
The decision followed weeks of debate inside Germany about how best to respond to credible reports of widespread malnutrition and even starvation in Gaza. But the move was precipitated by the Israeli government’s decision early on Friday to escalate its military activity in Gaza rather than seek a cease-fire and negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.
In a statement, Mr. Merz said, “The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved.”
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https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/08/world/europe/germany-weapons-israel-gaza.html
https://archive.is/wNV3j
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