The German government will not approve any exports to Israel of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said today, responding to Israel's plan to expand its military operations in the Palestinian territory, Reuters reported.
The release of Israeli hostages and ceasefire negotiations are Germany's top priorities, Merz said, expressing deep concern about the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Germany has been a staunch supporter of Israel for decades, the Associated Press noted.
Israel announced this morning that it plans to take control of Gaza City, a new escalation in the 22-month-long war with "Hamas", the Associated Press reported. press.
The decision, made at a meeting of senior Israeli officials last night, was rejected by the Palestinians, and the international community called for an end to the war. In addition, the fate of hostages still being held by "Hamas" in Gaza has also become a cause for concern in Israel, the AP notes.
Tens of thousands of people in Gaza have been killed so far in Israel's offensive, and most of the population in the enclave has been displaced. Large parts of the territory have been destroyed and many people live on the brink of starvation. If Israel launches another large-scale ground offensive, it will almost certainly deepen the humanitarian catastrophe, the AP points out.
"Hamas" rejected Netanyahu's plans and said the people of Gaza would continue to "resist the occupation".
"The escalation of aggression against the Palestinian people will not be a walk in the park", the group said in a statement.
Israel is making a mistake by approving plans to occupy Gaza City, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said today, as quoted by PA Media and DPA.
The British leader urged Israel to reconsider plans for a new offensive.
Starmer made his remarks after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military cabinet approved plans for an operation to capture Gaza City.
The British prime minister said Israel should move towards de-escalation rather than launching a new operation.
"This action will not lead to end the conflict or help release the hostages. It will only lead to more bloodshed," said Keir Starmer.