Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Merz Condemns Israeli Actions in Gaza


(MENAFN) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a forceful denunciation of Israel’s conduct in Gaza on Monday, asserting that the country had breached global humanitarian standards.

Speaking critically of the recent military activity, Merz announced his intention to confront Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with these concerns in an upcoming discussion.

At the WDR European Forum in Berlin, Merz declared, "What the Israeli army is doing now in the Gaza Strip, harming the civilian population to such an extent, as has increasingly been the case in recent days, can no longer be justified as a fight against terrorism."

He pointed to the growing toll on non-combatants, arguing that such actions have exceeded the bounds of legitimate counterterrorism efforts.

Although Merz, a conservative figure, admitted that Germany has historically hesitated to reproach Israel—owing to its past—he noted that this position is becoming untenable.

He stressed his inability to discern any credible military rationale behind Israel's ongoing operations.

Merz further stated, "When boundaries are crossed, where international humanitarian law is truly violated, Germany and the German chancellor must also say something about it."

He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing these issues directly with Netanyahu in their forthcoming meeting.

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