The German government will not approve any exports to Israel of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says in response to Israel’s plan to expand its military operations there.

The release of the Israeli hostages and negotiations for a ceasefire are Germany’s top priorities, Merz says in a statement, expressing deep concern over the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip.

The decision marks a major change of course for the German government, which has been one of Israel’s staunchest international allies.

Merz says it is “increasingly difficult to understand” how the Israeli military plan will help achieve the legitimate aims of disarming Hamas and freeing the hostages.

“Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice,” he says in a statement.