Germany lifts arms export curbs to Israel despite ongoing Gaza attacks
Germany has announced it will lift its suspension on certain arms exports to Israel, saying the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has “fundamentally stabilised” Gaza. Government spokesperson Sebastian Hille said Berlin expects all parties to uphold the truce and ensure large-scale humanitarian aid continues to flow. The restrictions were
introduced in August after Israel launched a major offensive to seize and destroy Gaza City. Despite Germany’s claims of stability, Israel has continued deadly strikes across the enclave almost daily while maintaining tight limits on aid and temporary housing, deepening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Germany—one of Israel’s top weapons suppliers—has stood firmly behind the Israeli government, even as rights groups describe the assault as genocide. Berlin has simultaneously cracked down on domestic critics, detaining protesters and banning pro-Palestinian events. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised the lifting of restrictions and urged other governments to follow suit. At the time of the suspension, Israel accused Germany of “rewarding terrorism”. Between 2019 and 2023, Germany accounted for 30 percent of Israel’s major arms imports, including Saar 6-class naval vessels used in Gaza operations, according to SIPRI. Public sentiment in Germany, however, is shifting: a September poll found 62 percent of Germans believe Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide.