German Chancellor Backs Israel’s Defense as Dutch Minister Rejects Gaza Occupation Plan

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas but emphasised that negotiating a cease-fire and securing the release of hostages in Gaza remain his government’s top priorities. Merz added that Hamas should have no role in Gaza’s future and voiced deep concern over the continuing hardship faced by civilians in the enclave. Separately, the Dutch foreign minister criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to intensify Israeli military operations and potentially occupy parts of Gaza, calling the move a mistake that would neither improve the catastrophic humanitarian conditions nor expedite the return of hostages. The minister asserted that “Gaza belongs to the Palestinians” and urged immediate steps to ease civilian suffering.