In a rare and pointed rebuke, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed critique over Israel’s military operations in Gaza, stating that he “no longer understands” the objectives behind the ongoing offensive. His remarks come amid rising international criticism over the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.
“The Israeli government must not do anything that even its best friends are no longer willing to accept,” Merz said to German Public Broadcaster WDR in Berlin on Monday. “What the Israeli army is now doing in the Gaza Strip, I frankly no longer understand with what goal.”
Merz’s comments reflect a notable shift in tone from one of Israel’s staunchest allies. Germany has historically maintained strong diplomatic and security ties with Israel, often offering political support in international forums. However, Merz warned that these ties cannot come at the cost of condoning actions that may breach international humanitarian law.
“To cause such suffering to the civilian population, as has increasingly been the case in recent days, can no longer be justified by the fight against Hamas terrorism,” he added to WDR.
His statements follow a week of growing global outrage, with leaders from France, the United Kingdom, and Canada condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza as “egregious” and threatening “concrete actions” should the situation not change. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by accusing those leaders of siding with Hamas.
“When mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers thank you, you’re on the wrong side of justice, you’re on the wrong side of humanity and you’re on the wrong side of history,” Netanyahu said Friday, directly addressing French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Canadian politician Mark Carney.
Chancellor Merz stated that Germany, while historically restrained in criticizing Israel, cannot remain silent if humanitarian norms are violated.
“But if lines are crossed, where international humanitarian law is really being violated, then Germany, the German chancellor, must also say something about it,” Merz stated during the WDR interview. He added that he intends to speak with Prime Minister Netanyahu this week to express his concerns.
The situation in Gaza remains dire. After nearly three months of a total blockade, Israel last week allowed limited humanitarian aid into the Strip. However, the United Nations has described the amount of aid delivered as “a drop in the ocean” compared to the actual need.
As reported by DW, Merz noted that Palestinians in Gaza are heavily reliant on international aid, which Israel had previously blocked on the grounds that it could benefit Hamas. The German leader questioned this approach, saying that harming civilians to such a degree undermines the legitimacy of the stated goals.
The Israeli military has recently launched a new phase of its offensive in Gaza, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots. The operation aims to expand Israeli control over up to 75% of the territory and secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas. The offensive includes ground troops and air strikes in both northern and southern parts of the Strip.
Meanwhile, efforts to organize humanitarian relief continue to falter. Jake Wood, the American appointed to lead the newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, resigned Sunday, citing constraints that would prevent him from operating independently and in accordance with international humanitarian principles. The UN has rejected Israel’s plan to coordinate aid through the Foundation, claiming it effectively weaponizes food and forces civilians to risk their lives to access basic supplies.
