Germany's Merz continues sharp criticism of Israel, voices deep concern over Gaza

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday continued his criticism of Israel's renewed military offensive in Gaza, urging Tel Aviv to end Palestinian civilian suffering and allow more humanitarian aid.

“We are more than concerned about the intensification of the Israeli army's military activities in Gaza, and we are appalled by the terrible suffering of the civilian population there,” Merz told a joint press conference with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Finland's Turku.

"As I said yesterday, the massive military strikes by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip no longer make any sense to me in terms of how they serve the goal of fighting terror and freeing the hostages. And in this respect, I view what has happened in recent days very, very critically,” he said.

Merz emphasized that his government was in close contact with Israeli authorities, demanding they allow more humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, ensuring food security and providing water supplies.