German FM says denial of food, medicine in Gaza 'unacceptable'

BERLIN - German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Tuesday criticized Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, stressing that Germany would not succumb to political pressure or be forced into solidarity.

Speaking at the WDR Europaforum in Berlin, Wadephul described the denial of essential supplies such as food and medicine to Gaza's civilian population as "completely unacceptable".

His comments came a day after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz escalated criticism of Israel's military campaign. Speaking at the same forum on Monday, Merz said he "no longer understands" the purpose of Israel's military operations in the region.

Building on Merz's remarks, Wadephul asserted that the Israeli army's military actions had exceeded the limits of proportionality in its fight against Hamas.

While Germany stands firm in its fight against antisemitism, this must not result in the country being instrumentalized in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, he said.

When asked whether Germany would continue supplying arms to Israel, Wadephul said Berlin would act wherever there is a risk of international humanitarian law being violated, adding that in such cases, it would "certainly not supply weapons".