Germany has suspended all military exports that could be used in the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Friday, citing Israel’s plan to seize control of Gaza City. The move marks a sharp policy shift for Berlin, which has backed Israel throughout its nearly two-year assault on Gaza.
The decision comes after 200 German cultural figures signed an open letter urging Merz to halt arms shipments, freeze the EU-Israel agreement, and call for an immediate ceasefire.
On Friday, Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to take control of Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban centre. The move, condemned by the United Kingdom, China, Spain, and Turkey, follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow a day earlier to place the entire Gaza Strip under military control.
Merz said the intensified Israeli military campaign “makes it increasingly difficult” to achieve Germany’s stated goals in the conflict. Between October 7, 2023, and May 13, 2025, Germany granted export licences for military equipment to Israel worth €485 million (\$564 million), according to parliamentary records.
While affirming Israel’s right to disarm Hamas and free its hostages, Merz stressed that securing a ceasefire and ending civilian suffering in Gaza remain Berlin’s priorities.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk also condemned Israel’s plan, saying it violates an International Court of Justice ruling to end the occupation and undermines prospects for a two-state solution.
Since the war began, at least 61,258 Palestinians have been killed, 152,045 wounded, and thousands remain missing in what health authorities describe as a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
