In light of the humanitarian emergency in the Gaza Strip, the German federal government is setting up an airlift for relief supplies. This will be implemented in cooperation with Jordan, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) announced on Monday in Berlin after a meeting of the Federal Security Cabinet. France and Great Britain are also prepared to support such an airlift for food and medical supplies, Merz said.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will coordinate with the two countries on this matter. While this is only"a very small help" for the people of Gaza, it is a contribution the government is willing to make.

Clear demands on conflict parties

Merz also formulated clear demands on the parties to the conflict."Israel must immediately, comprehensively, and sustainably improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza," Merz said. The increased food deliveries made possible by Israel since Sunday are likely only a first step. Furthermore, the German government is calling for a comprehensive, not just a short-term, ceasefire. To achieve this, the radical Islamist Hamas must clear the way, release the hostages, and lay down its weapons. German citizens continue to be among those abducted. Merz also emphasized:"For the German government, there is no doubt that it was Hamas's cruel and inhuman terror on October 7, 2023, that triggered the fighting in Gaza."

Furthermore, the German Chancellor warned against further steps toward Israeli annexation of the West Bank. The recognition of a Palestinian state is not currently under consideration by the German government. This is"not a first, but one of the possibly final steps" on the path to a two-state solution. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) is expected to travel to the region on Thursday to continue diplomatic efforts. Merz himself announced that he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again by phone that evening.