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Germany to halt military exports to Israel over Gaza City occupation plan

Iran Press TV

Friday, 08 August 2025 4:51 PM

Germany has suspended military exports to Israel over its planned occupation of Gaza City, marking a rare rift after months of steadfast support for Tel Aviv's genocidal war on Gaza.

In a statement on Friday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the decision after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that the so-called "political-security cabinet" approved a plan to seize the largest city in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Early on Friday, Netanyahu's office said in a statement that the Israeli military "will prepare to take control of Gaza City" despite mounting international condemnation over Israel's 22-month war, which has killed tens of thousands of people and caused a starvation crisis.

Merz said Germany could no longer ignore the worsening toll on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, emphasizing that "resolute negotiations on a ceasefire" is among his country's "highest" priorities.

He, however, added that Berlin "believes that the even tougher military action in Gaza Strip decided on by the Israeli cabinet last night makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved."

The chancellor emphasized, "Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice."

He said Berlin was "deeply worried about the continued suffering of the civilian population" in Gaza and urged Israel to allow full and sustained access for humanitarian groups, including the UN and NGOs, to help them.

He emphasized that Tel Aviv bears "even stronger responsibility" than before for the needs of civilians amid another possible ground operation.

As of October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed at least 61,330 Palestinians and injured another 152,045, with most of the victims being women and children.

Gaza health authorities said 197 people, including 96 children, have died of malnutrition during the war in Gaza as Israel continues to impose severe restrictions on supplies of humanitarian aid amid escalation of famine crisis in the Strip.

The German chancellor also warned Israel against any steps towards annexing the occupied West Bank.

In July, the Israeli parliament (Knesset) passed a motion calling for the annexation of the West Bank and expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied territory, in breach of international law.

According to figures from the German parliament, Germany issued arms export licenses to Israel worth 485 million euros ($564m) from October 2023 to May this year, making it one of Israel's key military suppliers.

Germany's lethal arms exports to the occupied territories have seen a tenfold increase after Israel launched its war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, making it not only complicit but an active participant in the genocide unfolding in the besieged Palestinian territory.