Germany has halted the approval of any military equipment exports that could be used by Israel in the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Friday. The suspension, which covers spare parts for tanks and other defence goods, takes effect immediately and will remain in place "until further notice." Merz said the decision was prompted by Israel’s overnight security-cabinet vote to intensify operations and take full control of Gaza City, a move Berlin fears will deepen the territory’s humanitarian crisis. He stressed that Israel retains the right to defend itself against Hamas but argued that stepped-up combat "makes it increasingly difficult" to achieve that goal while protecting civilians. The step represents a marked shift for Berlin, which has long viewed support for Israel as a post-war obligation. Germany was the second-largest supplier of arms to Israel from 2020 to 2024, accounting for roughly a third of the country’s imports, and authorised €485 million in military exports between October 2023 and mid-May 2025. Reiterating calls for a cease-fire and the release of Israeli hostages, Merz urged Israel to avoid annexing West Bank territory and to ensure full humanitarian access to Gaza. While recent German shipments to Israel have been limited, diplomats expect the move to add pressure on other European partners to re-examine their own defence sales.