### German Chancellor Criticizes Israeli Offensive in Gaza Amid Rising Tensions

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced unusually strong criticism of Israel's recent military actions in the Gaza Strip, stating that the offensive puts the civilian population at undue risk. In a televised interview, Merz expressed his confusion over the aims of the Israeli army's operations. "To harm 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 remarked.

Germany has traditionally been a staunch supporter of Israel, with its leaders considering Israel's security a vital national interest due to Germany's historical obligations stemming from the Nazi era. Merz's conservative government has been particularly hesitant to openly rebuke Israel's military campaigns. However, his recent criticisms suggest a potential shift in Germany's diplomatic stance, especially in light of the humanitarian crisis proliferating in Gaza, exacerbated by an 11-week aid blockade leaving many Gazans at risk of starvation.

In his interview, Merz underscored the delicacy required of Germany in offering public advice to Israel. "Germany must exercise greater restraint than any other country in the world in giving public advice to Israel," he asserted. Yet, he emphasized the necessity of speaking out against serious breaches of international humanitarian law. Merz plans to address these concerns directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an upcoming scheduled call. "We have a great interest in remaining at Israel's side," Merz noted, "But the Israeli government must not do anything that its best friends are no longer prepared to accept."

This development coincides with escalating debate within Germany regarding the country's military support for Israel. Some members of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), Merz's coalition partners, are advocating for an end to German arms exports to Israel. Adis Ahmetovic, the SPD's foreign policy spokesperson, argued against the use of German weapons in "spreading humanitarian catastrophes and violating international law."

Additionally, Felix Klein, the German government's commissioner for combatting antisemitism, has called for a candid reconsideration of Germany's commitment to Israel. In an interview, Klein acknowledged the necessity of ensuring Israel's security but condemned the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. "Starving the Palestinians and deliberately making the humanitarian situation dramatically worse has nothing to do with safeguarding Israel's right to exist. And it cannot be the German reason of state either," he stated.

Merz's comments have emerged amidst a backdrop of international criticism directed at Israel's actions. Earlier, leaders from Britain, France, and Canada released a joint statement describing the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "intolerable" and urging a cessation of the offensive.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has responded to such criticisms robustly, defending Israel's right to self-defense and condemning any calls for halting the military actions. He accused international leaders of effectively rewarding terrorism by demanding an end to the Israeli offensive and advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

This evolving conflict highlights the profound complexities of international relations and the ethical boundaries of military strategy, as global leaders grapple with balancing security interests and humanitarian responsibilities.