German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has intensified his call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, declaring the humanitarian situation “no longer acceptable” and urging Israel to allow unrestricted access to aid for Palestinian civilians.

Speaking at his summer press conference in Berlin, Merz emphasized that Germany is pushing for two urgent priorities: “a ceasefire and comprehensive humanitarian aid.” He noted that the suffering in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with over 58,000 Palestinians killed and nearly 140,000 injured, most of them women and children.

Merz confirmed that he had spoken directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to ensure the safe and humane delivery of aid and to avoid any steps toward annexation of the West Bank.

The chancellor also expressed concern over Israel’s military corridors in Gaza, such as “Maguen Oz,” which critics say are fragmenting the territory and deepening the humanitarian crisis.

While reaffirming Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security, Merz stressed that this support does not mean unconditional approval. “We want to help Israel, but we must also clearly state what is unacceptable,” he said.

Germany has rejected calls from some EU member states to impose sanctions on Israel, preferring to pursue diplomatic channels. Merz argued that Israel’s situation cannot be equated with Russia’s war in Ukraine, citing Israel’s democratic system and its right to self-defense.

Nonetheless, Merz acknowledged growing pressure within Europe to reassess its relationship with Israel, especially amid reports of mass civilian casualties, aid blockades, and forced displacement.

He also criticized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid mechanism, calling it a “cynical failure” that has resulted in hundreds of deaths near distribution centers.

Germany is reportedly preparing to increase emergency funding for UN agencies such as UNRWA, UNICEF, and Doctors Without Borders, contingent on improved access and safety guarantees.

The German Foreign Ministry summoned Israel’s ambassador to express outrage over the recent bombing of Gaza’s only Catholic church, which killed four civilians, including children.

Merz’s remarks signal a shift in tone from previous German administrations, which maintained unwavering support for Israel. Analysts say his government is seeking a more balanced approach, combining historical responsibility with a firm stance on human rights and international law.

“The protection of civilian life must be the priority of any democratic state,” Merz concluded. “Germany will continue working with its European partners to ensure that the ceasefire leads to real relief for the people of Gaza.”

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