Germany has suspended military exports to Israel for use in the Gaza Strip, citing reports of widespread hunger and starvation in the territory. The decision was made after weeks of debate over how to respond to these reports and was triggered by Israel’s decision to expand its military operations in Gaza.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Germany would not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza “until further notice.” He emphasized that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas’s terror, but also urged the Israeli government to provide for the nutrition and health of Gazans.
Germany is a close ally of Israel and has made its survival a principle of state due to its history with the Holocaust. However, Merz’s decision marks a significant step away from this policy. The move has been condemned by Israel, which claims that Germany is “rewarding Hamas terrorism” by embargoing arms to Israel.
Germany is the second-largest supplier of military equipment to Israel and has refused to recognize Palestine as a state until it comes into existence through negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. However, Merz’s decision has sparked debate within his own coalition about how to respond to Gaza. Some have called for halting or limiting weapon deliveries to Israel, while others have demanded that Germany continue to support Israel unconditionally.
The suspension of military exports is likely to be followed by other countries, including the Netherlands and Denmark, which have also expressed concerns over the Gaza conflict. The move highlights the growing tensions between Israel and its allies in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/08/world/europe/germany-weapons-israel-gaza.html