Unconventional Merz criticises Israel for approaching Gaza

Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for an immediate ceasefire in the besieged enclave, while this week the death toll exceeded 58,000 people.

Merz also called for more humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, which has been strongly hampered by Israel's decision to extract all international programme of aid from the Gaza Strip and to allow only the Humanitarian Gas Foundation (GHF), broadcast Periscope.

GHF is a highly controversial, US-run organisation supported by Israel, which critics have called a cynical deadly trap for Gaza's desperate residents seeking food for their families.

Chancellor Merz said he is in regular contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that he has offered to increase German aid to the Gaza Strip.

Germany: Israel's Strong Support

Chancellor Merz also noted that his government “does not support Israel's” policy of insisting, adding that it has clearly expressed this in its calls to Netanjahu.

It's clear where we are. We are doing everything we can to be right against both sides [Israel and Palestinians in Gaza]”, Merz said, noting that Israel's “state would cease to exist” if not protected. At the same time, Merz said:

We see the suffering of Palestinian people and are also trying to do everything we can to offer humanitarian aid”.

Because of what it calls historic responsibility for the state of Israel, Germany has been one of Israel's strongest supporters during the war in Gaza, offering considerable diplomatic and military support.

Chancellor Merz rejected calls for the suspension of EU association agreements with Israel, and staunchly rejected any draw between Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Israel's approach to Gaza, claiming Russia had launched a war of aggression, while Israel is defending itself against Hamas.

DW