Germany backtracks on Israel over Gaza

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made important statements regarding the situation in Gaza at a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Berlin. Merz stated that the Israeli military's stance in Gaza is unacceptable and reiterated his call for the provision of essential humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Merz stated that he had a lengthy phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, saying, "I told him very clearly and unequivocally that we do not share the Israeli government's Gaza policy. Our government has always maintained a clear stance on this matter, and nothing has changed today."

The German Chancellor stated that they saw the great distress experienced by the civilian population in Gaza and emphasized that Israel's attitude was not sustainable.

Merz also answered questions about Germany's defense policy and made statements regarding the Patriot air defense systems his country will purchase from the US for Ukraine . Merz stated, "The US has a general commitment to deliver to Germany and the European Union. We will deliver existing Patriot systems to Ukraine on our own initiative. Therefore, we will make the delivery."

Merz stated that Patriot systems have not yet been procured, and that negotiations are ongoing with the US government on where and how these systems will be procured.

Merz also announced the signing of a joint declaration between Germany and Norway to increase cooperation in security policy and defense, noting that Norway is an important actor in Europe's independent access to space and described the country as the "gateway to space."

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store stated that his country is ready to provide additional funding, in close cooperation with Germany , to contribute to Ukraine's air defense. "If all goes well, which I hope it will soon, Norway is ready to share the bill. We will make a significant contribution," Store said, explaining that this support will be provided through a trusted and well-known partner like Germany, and that a portion of their budget has been allocated for this purpose.

Regarding the developments in the Middle East, Store stated that the wars in this region also affect other countries, and that no conflict will remain without consequences.