Germany will immediately initiate an airlift of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday, as the government in Berlin considers stepping up pressure on Israel in response to worsening conditions in the territory.
Speaking at a press conference following a meeting of the German security cabinet, Merz described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic”, adding that the aid effort would be conducted in coordination with Jordan, France, and the United Kingdom. The Chancellor acknowledged that the scale of the initiative would be limited, but said it marked a tangible step in Germany’s contribution to alleviating the crisis.
“We know that this can only provide very limited help for the people in Gaza,” Merz said, “but it is nonetheless a contribution we are eager to make.”
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will oversee the coordination of the airlift, working with counterparts in Paris and London to ensure the delivery of food and medical supplies. The aid flights will operate from Jordan, a long-standing regional partner in humanitarian logistics, and are expected to begin in the coming days.
The German announcement follows a rare move by the Israeli government to suspend military operations for ten hours a day in certain areas of Gaza, which Berlin described as a “welcome first step”. However, Merz indicated that further measures were needed.
The nearly two-year conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas has resulted in a death toll approaching 60,000, according to health authorities in Gaza. With growing reports of deaths from starvation and widespread malnutrition—particularly among children—international criticism of Israel has intensified. The images emerging from Gaza have placed renewed pressure on governments traditionally aligned with Israel, including Germany and the United States.
Chancellor Merz, long regarded as one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe, did not rule out further diplomatic or political measures. When asked whether Germany might consider suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement—an option previously dismissed by Berlin—he said the matter had been discussed during the cabinet session and “remains on the table.”
The German government has historically adhered to a policy of Staatsraison—a principle asserting that support for Israel’s security is a fundamental component of Germany’s national interest, rooted in the legacy of the Holocaust. This position has typically informed a cautious approach, favouring private diplomacy over public confrontation.
However, in recent weeks Merz has faced increasing pressure from within his own coalition to adopt a firmer line, particularly after Germany declined to join a joint statement by dozens of Western nations condemning the “inhumane killing” of Palestinian civilians. Public opinion in Germany has also shifted, with mass protests in major cities calling for greater humanitarian access and an end to arms exports to Israel.
Merz confirmed he would seek direct contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aiming to discuss further steps to improve access for aid and reduce the humanitarian toll. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is scheduled to travel to the region on Thursday, potentially alongside his British and French counterparts, to assess conditions on the ground and report back to the German cabinet by the weekend.
In addition to the airlift, Merz announced plans to initiate preparations for an international conference focused on the reconstruction of Gaza, to be held in coordination with regional actors and key European partners. He also issued a clear statement that “no further expulsions from the Gaza Strip must occur,” signalling concern over possible forced displacement amid ongoing military operations.
U.S. President Donald Trump added to the growing international pressure on Monday, stating that “many people are starving in Gaza”, in direct contradiction to remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has denied that widespread starvation is occurring.
