Merz announces airlift of aid supplies for Gaza Strip with Jordan

Germany, together with Jordan, will establish an airlift for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) announced this on Monday following a meeting of the German government's Security Cabinet at the Federal Chancellery. "The German government, in cooperation with Jordan, is immediately conducting an airlift of humanitarian aid over Gaza," Merz said. "We know that this can only be a very small help for the people in Gaza. But at least it's a contribution we're happy to make."

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Merz added that German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) will coordinate closely with France and Great Britain. The two countries are also prepared to "provide such an airlift for food and medical supplies." A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Defense had previously said that the Bundeswehr had participated in so-called airdrops - the dropping of relief supplies from the air - in the past.

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Merz now said the German government wants to "end the humanitarian suffering of the civilian population in Gaza as quickly as possible." He urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. "Israel must immediately, comprehensively, and sustainably improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza," the Chancellor said. "Israel must provide the suffering civilian population with rapid, safe, and sufficient humanitarian and medical assistance."

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Merz welcomed an announcement by the Israeli army on Sunday that it would take "tactical breaks" in its operations in parts of the Gaza Strip to allow for the safe passage of aid convoys. According to Israeli sources, more than 120 truckloads of aid were distributed that day. Merz called this an "important first step," but said further steps must follow "swiftly."

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Merz also announced further diplomatic efforts for a "comprehensive" ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) is expected to travel to the region on Thursday, possibly together with his counterparts from France and Great Britain. He himself would attempt to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday evening, Merz added.

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The Chancellor made it clear that Germany is not currently seeking recognition of a Palestinian state – unlike what French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced for his country. "We do not view recognition as a first step, but rather as one of the potentially final steps toward realizing a two-state solution," Merz said.

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Regarding possible means of pressure against Israel, Merz said that the Security Cabinet had not discussed a possible halt to arms deliveries, that would be the responsibility of the Federal Security Council. No decisions had been made on other means of pressure, such as a suspension of the EU Association Agreement with Israel. "However, we reserve the right to take such steps," Merz said. As part of diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza war, Merz will meet with Jordanian King Abullah II on Tuesday.

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