Merz announces air bridge for gaza strips with Jordan

Germany, together with Jordan, will set up an air bridge for humanitarian aid goods for the Gaza Strip. This was announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) on Monday after a meeting of the Federal Government Security Cabinet meeting in the Federal Chancellery.

“In cooperation with Jordan, the Federal Government immediately conducts an air bridge of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” said Merz. “We know that this can only be a very little help for the people in Gaza. But at least it is a contribution that we would like to make.”

Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) will coordinate closely with France and Great Britain, Merz said. The two countries are also ready to “provide such an air bridge for food and for medical goods”.

A spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Defense had previously said that the Bundeswehr had participated in so -called Airdrops in the past – the throwing of relief goods from the air.

Merz now said that the federal government wanted to “end the humanitarian suffering of the civilian population in Gaza as quickly as possible”. He urged Israel to leave more relief supplies in the Gaza Strip.

“Israel has to improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza immediately, comprehensively and sustainably,” said the Chancellor. “Israel has to send the suffering civilian population quickly, safe and sufficiently humanitarian and medical help.”

Merz welcomed an announcement by the Israeli army on Sunday to take “tactical breaks” of its use in parts of the Gaza Strip to enable a secure passage of auxiliary convoys. According to Israeli information, more than 120 truck charges were distributed on this day. Merz spoke of an “important first step”, which “quickly” would have to follow further steps.

Merz also announced further diplomatic efforts for a “comprehensive” ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. For example, Federal Foreign Minister Johann WadePhul (CDU) is expected to travel to the region on Thursday, possibly together with his colleagues from France and Great Britain.

He wanted to try to speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday evening, Merz added.

The Chancellor made it clear that Germany is currently not being recognized by a Palestinian state – different than France’s head of state Emmanuel Macron recently announced for his country. “We do not consider recognition as a first, but as one of the possibly final steps towards realizing a two -state solution,” said Merz.

With regard to possible means of pressure against Israel, Merz said that the security cabinet had not been talked about a possible stop of arms deliveries – this would be the task of the Federal Security Council. No “resolutions” were also made through other pressure tools such as a suspension of the EU Association Agreement with Israel. “But we reserve such steps,” said Merz.

As part of the diplomatic efforts for an end to the Gaza War, Merz will meet Jordanian King Abullah II on Tuesday.

This article has been updated several times.