BERLIN
Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday urged Israel to meet its humanitarian obligations by allowing humanitarian aid to reach Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
At a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Merz reaffirmed Berlin's support for Israel's fight against Hamas while stressing that this military campaign should not harm the civilian population.
“The developments in Gaza deeply concern us,” Merz said. “While the Israeli government and military have a legitimate interest in countering Hamas terrorism, they also have a humanitarian obligation to the civilian population in Gaza,” he stressed.
The conservative leader announced that he will send Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to Israel this weekend to deliver his message to Israeli leadership. Merz stressed that international humanitarian aid must reach Gaza's civilian population, pointing out that they are also victims of the conflict.
“We stand with Israel, without any ifs and buts. We understand the necessity to protect against Hamas terrorism, without any ifs and buts. However, there is also a humanitarian obligation of the Israeli government towards the civilian population who are not involved in this conflict,” he said.
Merz has long been a staunch supporter of Israel, consistently declaring that Israel's security is part of Germany's “reason of state,” and promising to strengthen bilateral relations throughout his chancellorship.
He publicly criticized the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite Germany's obligations under the Rome Statute, the court's founding treaty.
Following his Feb. 23 election victory, Merz held a phone conversation with Netanyahu and informed reporters they had discussed the prime minister's potential Berlin visit, indicating he would “find ways and means” to make it happen.