The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) clearly criticized the Israeli procedure in the Gaza Strip on Monday. He no longer understands the goal that Israel is pursuing, said Merz at the “WDR European Dorum 2025” in Berlin. “To affect the civilian population in such a way that this has been increasingly the case in the past few days can no longer be justified with a fight against Hamas terrorism.”
Germany should hold back to Israel with public advice “like no other country in the world,” added Merz. “But if boundaries are exceeded where humanitarian international law is violated, then Germany also has to, then the German Federal Chancellor must also say something.” Merz emphasized the close partnership between Germany and Israel. “But the Israeli government must not do anything that at some point its best friends are no longer willing to accept.”
“Political and moral dilemma”
The German Foreign Minister Johann WadePhul (CDU) meanwhile rejected a stop from German arms exports to Israel. Several MPs from the coalition partner SPD had previously called for this. Israel is exposed to numerous dangers from outside, said WadePhul. At the same time, Israel’s right of existence is part of German state rates. The federal government is therefore obliged to assist Israel in security. Nevertheless, the situation in the Gaza Strip is “a large political and moral dilemma for us”, also admitted WadePhul.
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Image: APA/AFP/Omar al-Qattaa
Source: Nachrichten
