Merz announced the suspension of German permits for the supply of weapons to Israel

The German government is suspending the issuance of permits for the export of weapons to Israel that can be used in the Gaza Strip. This was announced on August 8 by Prime Minister Friedrich Merz.

According to the politician, Israel has the right to defend itself from the actions of the Palestinian Hamas movement, but the main priority is the release of hostages and targeted negotiations on a cease-fire.

"The even tougher military actions of the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved last night by the Israeli Cabinet of Ministers, according to the German government, make it increasingly difficult to understand how these goals can be achieved," the press service quoted Merz as saying.

The Prime Minister stressed that in these circumstances, the German government would not allow the export of military products for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The process of discord: the Israeli army opposes a new operation in Gaza

How will this affect the fate of the remaining hostages

The New York Times (NYT) newspaper, citing sources, reported on August 5 that Merz had several "tough" telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip. He called on him to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and allow more humanitarian aid to be delivered to the enclave.

Focus magazine reported on July 30 that Germany has recently received over a thousand statements against Merz for his position on the conflict in the Gaza Strip. It was clarified that citizens express dissatisfaction with Germany's role in the Middle East conflict and the humanitarian situation in the enclave.

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