After a month-long pause, Berlin lifts restrictions on military aid as ceasefire stabilizes and humanitarian concerns remain
Germany has announced it will restart exporting weapons to Israel from 24 November, following the ceasefire in Gaza that came into effect earlier this month. The decision ends a suspension of military equipment sales that had been in place since August, when Israel launched a ground offensive to capture Gaza City.
A German government spokesperson emphasized that the move is contingent on ongoing compliance with peace agreements. “We expect everyone to stick to the agreements that have been made. This means the ceasefire holds, humanitarian aid is provided widely, and the process continues in an orderly manner,” they said.
The suspension had initially followed Israel’s approval of a plan to take full control of Gaza City, which drew warnings from the UN about potential massive displacement and civilian casualties. Germany, a long-standing supporter of Israel, had expressed concern about the humanitarian impact while reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas attacks.
Between 2020 and 2024, Germany accounted for 33% of Israel’s military imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Shipments included warships, torpedoes, and components for Merkava tanks. The German government said future arms export decisions will now be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The resumption of exports follows a tense period of conflict. Hamas-led attacks on 7 October 2023 resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 Israelis and the taking of 251 hostages. Gaza has seen at least 69,483 Palestinian casualties since the outbreak of hostilities, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Since the ceasefire, Hamas has returned 20 living hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza, as well as the remains of 25 out of 28 deceased hostages, marking a fragile step toward reconciliation and humanitarian relief.
Germany’s decision to resume arms exports highlights the delicate balance between supporting Israel’s security and addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza, signaling Berlin’s continued role in Middle East diplomacy.
Conclusion: As tensions ease but the region remains fragile, Germany’s renewed arms exports underscore the ongoing complexities of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Readers are encouraged to follow, share, and comment on developments as the situation unfolds.