Germany will decide whether to support sanctions against Israel ahead of the European Union (EU) meeting in Copenhagen in October, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday during a visit to Madrid.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Merz said Israel’s operations in Gaza were not proportional to its stated objectives, but Germany did not regard them as acts of genocide. He added that recognising Palestinian statehood was not currently on Germany’s agenda.
Merz’s comments indicate that while Germany is open to criticising Israel, it remains hesitant to take punitive measures against the country.
The European Commission on Wednesday proposed suspending a trade agreement covering €5.8 billion of Israeli exports due to the Gaza conflict. However, the measure currently lacks sufficient support among EU member states.
Merz stated: “We will revisit these issues at the federal cabinet level next week and aim to present Germany’s final position at the informal Council meeting in Copenhagen on 1 October.”
Germany maintains it has a special responsibility towards Israel, though the death of nearly 64,000 Palestinians in the Gaza conflict has caused concern across Europe.
Meanwhile, Israeli tanks are advancing in two key areas leading to Gaza City’s centre, and internet and phone lines have been cut, signalling a likely escalation of ground operations.
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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a series of high-level meetings in Baghdad on Sunday as part of his official visit to Iraq, focusing on bilateral cooperation and regional stability.
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The Netherlands will return a 3,500-year-old stone head sculpture to Egypt, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof told President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday during his visit to Cairo.
Pakistan expects to bring its first Chinese-designed Hangor-class submarine into active service next year, a move seen as deepening its defence partnership with Beijing and strengthening its posture in the North Arabian Sea.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s "days are numbered," accusing his government of hostile acts against the United States.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a series of high-level meetings in Baghdad on Sunday as part of his official visit to Iraq, focusing on bilateral cooperation and regional stability.
A fire and explosion at a convenience store in the northwestern Mexican city of Hermosillo killed at least 23 people, including several children, and injured 12 others, local officials said.
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