UPDATES WITH MORE COMMENTS FROM MERZ, ADDS BACKGROUND
By Anadolu staff
BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called the Israeli military's latest attacks in Gaza "unacceptable," strongly criticizing the indiscriminate use of force and growing civilian deaths.
During a joint press conference with Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Berlin, Merz said they were concerned about the Israeli government's decision to expand the military offensive in Gaza, and they feared more civilian deaths.
“What the Israeli government is doing there, and what the Israeli army is doing in carrying out the Israeli government's will, is unacceptable. And yesterday's event casts a heavy shadow on the otherwise completely justified actions against Hamas,” Merz said.
"These casualties among the civilian population, among uninvolved third parties, in this case, hospital staff, patients, and journalists, are the consequences of this massive military action," he said, reiterating Berlin's opposition to Israel’s expanded military operation to occupy Gaza City.
The conservative leader stated that recent developments have proven he made the right decision earlier this month to suspend German weapons exports to Israel that might be used in Gaza.
A double Israeli strike on Nasser hospital on Monday killed 20 people, including five journalists, several health workers, and search and rescue personnel. The initial strike claimed at least one life, followed by a second bombardment minutes later that killed first responders and media personnel who had gathered at the site.
Merz noted that the Israeli government has pledged to investigate the incident, stating his preliminary assessment suggests it was not a deliberate targeting of journalists.
However, he expressed serious concern that more civilian casualties could occur in the days ahead as Israel proceeds with its expanded military operation.
“I don't believe at the moment that this was a targeted attack against journalists. But the Israeli army and the Israeli government have both promised to launch a comprehensive investigation into this incident, and I would like to await the outcome before making a final judgment,” Merz said.
“But these are, of course, consequences of what the Israeli army began a few days ago and what the Israeli government decided just under two weeks ago. We must fear that, in the wake of the Israeli army's actions, we will see more of what has just happened in the coming days and weeks. This may be unavoidable,” he added.