Majority of Germans back arms ban, pressure on 'Israel' over Gaza
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A new poll shows growing German public support for Palestinian statehood and a shift in sentiment toward Berlin's alliance with "Israel".
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A woman is carried away by police officers during a pro-Palestine demonstration by the group "Student Coalition Berlin" in the theater courtyard of the 'Freie Universität Berlin' university in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (AP)
A German government move to partially suspend arms exports to "Israel" has received strong public backing, according to a poll published Thursday, Anadolu Agency reported.
The survey, commissioned by public broadcaster ZDF, indicated that 83% of Germans support halting the supply of weapons that could be used in the Gaza Strip.
It also found that a majority of respondents want Berlin to exert greater political pressure on "Israel" to end its genocide in Gaza. 62% supported increasing pressure, while 30% opposed.
The poll further showed that most Germans favor recognizing Palestinian statehood, despite the government’s current position. 60% supported recognition, 22% were opposed, and 18% were undecided.
Germany halts military exports to 'Israel' over Gaza expansion plan
Last week, Merz announced, following weeks of criticism and public pressure, that Germany will suspend all approvals for military equipment exports that could be used in the Gaza Strip, following "Israel’s" decision to "take control" of Gaza City.
He said Berlin remains committed to supporting "Israel’s" right to disarm Hamas and secure the release of captives. However, he expressed growing concern over the deepening humanitarian crisis and questioned the effectiveness of continued military escalation.
“The German government believes that the even tougher military action in the Gaza Strip decided upon by the Israeli cabinet last night makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved,” Merz said in a statement.
“Under these circumstances, the German government will not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.”
Concern for Gaza relayed in military aid for 'Israel'
The move follows growing international condemnation of "Israel’s" nearly two-year-long war on the Gaza Strip, which has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and nearly the entire enclave in ruins.
Far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s coalition have pushed for a full military takeover of Gaza, despite warnings from the military echelon that such action could endanger the lives of remaining captives held in the enclave.
Germany, a longtime ally of "Israel" and arguably its second most important ally after the US, has emphasized that its top priorities remain the release of captives and achieving a ceasefire. Merz reiterated Germany’s deep concern for the suffering of civilians in Gaza and stressed the urgency of halting the bloodshed.
According to figures released by Germany’s parliament in June, Berlin approved military export licences to "Israel" worth €485 million ($564 million) between October 7, 2023, and May 13, 2025.
