German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced that Germany will review arms exports to Israel over concerns about possible violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip.
"We are looking into whether what is happening in the Gaza Strip is in accordance with international humanitarian law," Wadephul said in an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung. "Further arms deliveries will be allowed based on the outcome of this review."
When asked whether the review could lead to a partial suspension of exports, he replied: "That's what the wording suggests."
Wadephul stressed Israel's right to defend itself - "also with German weapon systems", including against the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran. At the same time, however, he has strongly criticised the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where Israel is waging war against Hamas militants in response to the violent attack of October 2023.
"The aid supplies that are reaching Gaza are just a drop in the ocean," he said. "This is about ensuring basic human rights. The sick, the weak and children are the first to die."
"As a result," Wadephul added, "we have changed our tone - and we will probably change our next policy moves."
Calls to limit arms shipments are growing especially among centre-left Social Democratic MPs in Germany, traditionally one of Israel's staunchest European allies. Conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz has ratcheted up the rhetoric, but has not yet commented specifically on arms exports.
According to Reuters, Germany has approved 326.5 million euros worth of arms exports to Israel in 2023, a significant increase from previous years. However, approvals dropped by half in 2024 due to increasing domestic and international legal and political pressure.
Sueddeutsche/Politico/gnews.cz - cik
English 
Czech 
Spanish 
French 
Italian 
Russian 
Chinese 
German