Gaza Conflict: Merz Criticizes Israel for Excessive Use of Violence

According to reports by German Channel Two, criticism of Israel is growing in Germany regarding the Gaza conflict. Chancellor Merz has also criticized Israel for the first time.

Merz stated at a data conference in Berlin: "The harm to civilians, as has been increasingly frequent in recent days, can no longer be justified by the pretext of combating Hamas terrorism."

According to reports by German Radio, during his visit to Finland, CDU-affiliated Chancellor Merz reiterated his criticism of Israel's military actions. He said that what happened in recent days does not seem absolutely necessary to defend Israel's right to survival and combat Hamas.

The voices calling for a halt to arms deliveries to Israel are increasing in Germany. SPD member of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee, Müntzenberger, called for halting arms deliveries to Israel. He told German Radio that stopping the delivery of weapons should be the right decision at this moment. He cannot imagine any other way to convey a clear message to Israel. Regarding the demands of the SPD, Chancellor Merz emphasized that the federal government will discuss its consequences internally. A possible decision may not be made public.

According to reports by the Berliner Tageszeitung, the latest民意survey by Civey shows that support for Israel among Germans is waning. Every second German opposes the delivery of weapons to Israel.

German media have paid attention to Merz's change in attitude. The MÄRKISCHE ODERZEITUNG from Frankfurt (Oder) pointed out: What Merz is doing now is almost unprecedented. How does the head of government tell a friendly country that it has gone too far? In Europe, there is growing concern that as an ally of Israel, becoming complicit in the silence over starving children in Gaza could happen. The chancellor now understands this. Because he sees that with every civilian death, not only does world sympathy grow, but so does Palestinian anger, and the number of radical Israeli haters is also increasing. In the long run, they may pose a greater threat to Israel's security than Hamas.

The Chemnitz Freie Presse clearly stated: After Hamas launched a brutal attack on October 7, 2023, Germany naturally stood by Israel. But the catastrophic situation in Gaza shows that Germany must change course now. This means suspending the supply of weapons used in the Gaza war.

The Straubinger Tagblatt believes: Netanyahu will react. It can be imagined that he will mention the Nazi Holocaust against Jews and suggest that Germany not get involved in this matter. However, Merz's approach is entirely correct. His criticism targets the Israeli government and some ministers who are right-wing radicals. The chancellor does not question the state's rationale. Germany - this is the message he conveys - will continue to defend Israel's security.

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833318387828041/

Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views.