Germany Halts Military Exports to Israel

Germany has suspended all military exports to Israel that could potentially be used in Gaza, following Israel's recent decision to implement a plan to take full control of Gaza City.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the decision on Friday, stating that the move comes in response to growing concerns over the humanitarian situation in the war-torn enclave.

In an official statement, Merz emphasized that Germany’s top priorities are securing the release of Israeli hostages and facilitating a ceasefire. He also voiced serious concern about the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population, which continues to endure heavy bombardment and dire humanitarian conditions.

The announcement follows the Israeli security cabinet’s approval of a new plan put forward by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan, which has drawn sharp criticism internationally, aims to establish full Israeli military control over Gaza City, located in the north of the besieged territory. This decision comes after nearly two years of relentless conflict and widespread devastation across Gaza.

According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli military is preparing to seize control of the city while coordinating the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones.

The cabinet voted in favor of five key principles for ending the war: dismantling Hamas; securing the return of all hostages, both living and deceased; disarming the entire Gaza Strip; maintaining Israeli security control over the region; and establishing a new civilian administration that is independent of both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

The majority of Israeli ministers rejected alternative proposals, arguing they would fail to defeat Hamas or ensure the return of hostages.

Currently, Israeli forces occupy or conduct ground operations in approximately 75% of Gaza. Military activities are primarily launched from established positions within the strip or from the Israeli border, with near-daily airstrikes and artillery fire continuing across the territory