Berlin:
Germany has officially announced that it will suspend all military supplies to Israel in response to the country’s recent decision to fully capture Gaza. The move signals growing international concern over the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict.
Israel’s Decision to Capture All of Gaza
The Israeli war cabinet recently approved a plan to completely seize control of the Gaza Strip. This follows months of intense fighting that began in 2023 after Hamas militants crossed into Israeli cities, killing around 1,200 people.
Hamas, which governs Gaza, has long been considered a threat by Israel. Following the deadly attacks, Israel launched a large-scale military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas and reclaiming territory.
Current Situation in Gaza
At present, the Israeli military controls approximately 80% of Gaza. The new strategy targets the remaining 20% of the territory. However, senior Israeli commanders have expressed concerns that hostages may still be held in those areas, warning that a full assault could risk their lives.
Despite these warnings, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured approval from the war cabinet to proceed with the operation.
Germany’s Strong Response
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the suspension of arms exports to Israel, stating:
“Due to Israel’s plan to capture Gaza City, we have decided to stop the export of military equipment. The Israeli government must take responsibility for providing humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilians and allow access to UN agencies and other humanitarian organizations.”
This marks a significant shift in Germany’s traditionally strong support for Israel and underscores the growing debate among Western allies over the war.
International Reactions and Humanitarian Concerns
The decision has drawn criticism and concern from several countries and human rights organizations. Many warn that a complete takeover of Gaza could worsen the humanitarian crisis, with civilians facing shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.
Aid groups are urging Israel to prioritize humanitarian corridors and ensure safe access for international relief efforts. The United Nations has also called for immediate measures to protect civilian lives in the conflict zone.
