Germany’s Merz: Israeli strikes on Gaza can no longer be justified as fight against Hamas

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says that Israel’s recent strikes on Gaza are taking a humanitarian toll on civilians that can no longer be justified as a fight against the Hamas terror group.

“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 Hamas terrorism,” he tells broadcaster WDR in a televised interview.

Merz also says he “no longer understands” the Israel Defense Forces’ objective in Gaza amid a stepped-up offensive in the Palestinian territory.

“I no longer understand what the Israeli army is doing in the Gaza Strip, with what goal the civilian population is being impacted to such an extent,” he says.

Merz adds he plans to hold a call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week to tell him “to not overdo it,” though for “historical reasons,” Germany would always be more guarded in its criticism than some European partners.

Germany has long been a strong supporter of Israel as it seeks to atone for the Holocaust.

However, the war against Hamas in Gaza, sparked by the terror group’s October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel, has cast a shadow over relations, with Germany at pains to carefully calibrate its response.