Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on 7 August that Israel intends to take "full control" of the Gaza Strip after the war but "does not plan to annex or govern" the enclave, proposing instead that an interim administrative body run the territory once Hamas is removed. Israel’s political-security cabinet early on 8 August approved a military plan to occupy Gaza City, expanding operations that its far-right coalition partners hope will eradicate Hamas. The decision comes amid mounting international concern about civilian casualties and the fate of roughly 50 hostages still held in Gaza. Hours after the cabinet vote, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Berlin will suspend approval of any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice. Merz cited the "increasingly unclear" link between Israel’s intensified campaign and the stated goals of disarming Hamas and freeing hostages, while reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defence. Germany was Israel’s second-largest arms supplier after the United States, authorising about €485 million in exports since October 2023—roughly one-third of Israel’s recent weapons imports. Netanyahu told Merz he was "disappointed", arguing the embargo rewards Hamas terrorism, but Berlin’s move adds to growing European pressure on Israel as the Gaza conflict nears its two-year mark.