German chancellor criticizes Israel's Gaza actions, urging restraint
Israel is continuing its bloody attacks on the Gaza Strip, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. On Monday, the German Chancellor addressed the issue. Friedrich Merz proclaimed that Israel's actions "can no longer be justified as a fight against Hamas terrorism."
The situation in the Gaza Strip was mentioned by the German Chancellor during a speech at the Europaforum 2025 conference.
Referring to Germany's history, Merz emphasized that his country must "exercise greater restraint than any other country in the world in giving public advice to Israel." - But when borders are crossed, when international humanitarian law is really being violated, the German chancellor must also say something about it - he declared.
The Chancellor assured that Germany remains a "friend" of Israel. - But the Israeli government must not do anything that its best friends are no longer prepared to accept - the politician noted.
Attacks on the Gaza Strip
The war in the Gaza Strip has been ongoing since October 7, 2023. At that time, Hamas invaded southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251. According to the Israeli army, 23 hostages remain in captivity. The bodies of 35 people are also being held. Over 53,900 Palestinians have died in the war.
On March 18, Israel resumed fighting after nearly a two-month ceasefire to pressure Hamas to release the hostages and agree to its terms for extending the truce.
