August 10, 2025 | 09:09 am
Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, announced the suspension of all exports of military equipment that can be used in the Gaza Strip. This decision was made on Friday, August 8, 2025, after the Israeli cabinet approved a military operation to occupy the Gaza Strip.
As reported by Antara on August 8, 2025, Merz urged the government of Israel to restrain from further annexation steps in the West Bank. Merz also expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He believes that if the military attacks continue, Israel bears greater responsibility to meet the needs of civilians in that area.
Not only that, he also urged Tel Aviv to provide full access for the distribution of aid, including from the United Nations (UN) and other non-governmental organizations. "Following the positive steps that have been taken in recent days, Israel must continue to comprehensively and sustainably improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza," said Merz as quoted by Antara on Friday, August 8, 2025.
This decision marks a major change for Germany, which has been one of Israel's most loyal international allies. Merz believes that Israel's military plans are increasingly difficult to understand in its efforts to disarm Hamas and free the hostages. "The German government is convinced that the tougher military actions in the Gaza Strip decided by the Israeli cabinet last night will further complicate the achievement of these goals," said Merz in a statement as quoted by Al Arabiya.
The German Parliament noted that from October 7, 2023, to May 13, 2025, the export licenses of military equipment to Israel have reached 485 million euros, or around Rp 9 trillion.
Germany's move adds to the long list of countries that have suspended the sale or delivery of weapons to Israel. According to Newsweek, the following are the countries that have suspended full or partial weapon deliveries to Israel:
- Slovenia, banned all arms trades with Israel, including transit and imports, in August 2025.
- Canada, suspended new arms export licenses to Israel since March 2024, but continued to honor old contracts.
- Italy, completely stopped new arms exports to Israel in October 2024.
- Japan, Itochu Corporation ended its collaboration with Israeli weapon maker, Elbit Systems, in February 2024 at the request of the Japanese Ministry of Defense.
- Belgium, has banned arms exports from the Wallonia region to Israel since 2009, and in 2025, the court ordered Flanders to stop all military equipment transit to the country.
- The Netherlands, stopped exporting spare parts for F-35 fighter jets to Israel since February 2024. However, a court decision in December 2024 rejected the full arms ban.
- Spain, suspended all new arms exports since October 2023.
- UK, froze about 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel in November 2024.
- The Hague Group, consisting of 12 countries, agreed in the July 2025 Summit to halt all weapon transfers to Israel. Its members include Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa. Turkey subsequently stated that it would follow suit.
Sita Planasari contributed to the writing of this article.
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