Visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed deep concern over the scale and intensity of Israel's recent airstrikes in Gaza on Tuesday, arguing that the operations have gone beyond what is necessary in the so-called fight against terrorism, especially given their severe humanitarian consequences, reported Xinhua.
At a joint press conference with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in the southwestern Finnish city of Turku, Merz said "The massive military strikes that the Israeli army has carried out in Gaza no longer make any sense to me. What is their aim? Simply for releasing the hostages is not enough."
"I must say that it is no longer possible to understand what is happening there at the moment. We need to intensify the dialogue with the Israeli government," he added.
Orpo echoed Merz's concerns, describing the sufferings of civilians in Gaza as "completely unacceptable."
"This causing of suffering, this killing — it must end," he stressed.
This marks the second time in as many days that Merz has publicly criticized Israel's operations in Gaza.
Speaking at an event hosted by German broadcaster WDR on Monday, he stated, "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."
According to a leading Finnish language daily Helsingin Sanomat, Merz's comments represent a marked departure from Germany's traditionally cautious language regarding Israeli military conduct.
However, when asked at the press conference how this rhetorical shift might be reflected in policy, Merz stopped short of outlining specific measures.
He declined to say whether Germany would suspend arms exports to Israel or consider sanctions against Israeli officials.
"We are in contact with Israel," he noted, adding only that discussions are ongoing within the German government.
Merz's remarks come amid growing international concerns over Israel's operations in Gaza, with mounting calls for greater accountability and humanitarian restraint.
- Orpo
- Merz
- Israeli
- Strikes
- Gaza
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
