Big blow to Netanyahu, Israel’s ‘close friend’ imposes ban on arms exports to Israel amid war with Hamas due to…; not US, France, country is…
The German government has announced that it will suspend all military equipment exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, citing growing humanitarian concerns and increasing ambiguity around Israel’s military objectives in the ongoing conflict. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on X that while Israel possesses the right to defend itself against terrorism, the recent military escalation by the Israeli security cabinet raises serious concerns.
Which country has imposed an arms export ban on Israel?
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said,” Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas’ terror. The release of the hostages and negotiations on a ceasefire are our top priorities. The disarmament of Hamas is imperative – Hamas must not be allowed to play a role in Gaza in future.”
Furthermore, he stated, “The new military push agreed by the Israeli security cabinet makes it increasingly unclear how these goals are to be achieved. The German Government will, until further notice, authorise no military equipment exports that can be used in the Gaza Strip.”
Why did this close ally decide to halt arms exports amid the Hamas conflict?
The German Chancellor’s announcement comes after the Israeli Security Cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to establish a “civil administration” in the Gaza Strip, which aims to conclude the conflict, and which will be independent of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Chancellor Merz also expressed Germany’s deep concern over the increasingly dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and urged Israel to fully facilitate and ensure vital assistance reaches the civilian population. Moreover, he further called on Israel to build upon recent steps taken to improve the humanitarian situation and to avoid any future actions that could lead to the annexation of the West Bank.
What reasons did the country give for imposing the ban?
The statement reads, “The German Government remains deeply concerned about the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza. With the planned offensive, the Israeli Government bears even more responsibility than before for ensuring that civilians can be provided with the supplies they need.”
It stated, “It must enable comprehensive access for relief supplies, including for UN organisations and other non-state institutions. Following the correct steps of recent days, Israel must continue to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza in a comprehensive and sustainable way.”
It is to be noted that United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that Israel’s decision to take control of Gaza City marks a “dangerous escalation” that could worsen the already dire humanitarian situation for Palestinians.”I am gravely alarmed by the decision of the Israeli government to take control of Gaza City. This decision marks a dangerous escalation and risks deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians, and could further endanger more lives, including the remaining hostages,” Guterres said in a statement on Friday.
The UN chief reiterated his call for a permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the immediate release of all hostages. He also stressed that “there will be no sustainable solution to this conflict without an end to this unlawful occupation and the achievement of a viable two-State solution,” adding that Gaza “must remain an integral part of a Palestinian State.”
According to Al Jazeera report, since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza, following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, the overall Palestinian death toll has reached 61,330, with 152,359 people reported injured.
(With Agencies Inputs)
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