Germany to Resume Arms Exports to Israel Citing Gaza Ceasefire; Critics Warn of Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

Germany to lift temporary restrictions on weapons sales to Israel

Germany announced it will end a temporary suspension on certain military exports to Israel, saying the ceasefire in Gaza since October 10 has "fundamentally stabilised" the situation. Chancellery spokesperson Sebastian Hille told reporters the restrictions will be removed on November 24, while stressing that export requests will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

“Since October 10, we have had a ceasefire in Gaza and it has fundamentally stabilised. That is the basis for this decision,” Sebastian Hille said. “We expect everyone to keep to the agreements that were reached — that includes the ceasefire holding, large-scale humanitarian aid being provided, and the process continuing to run in an orderly way.”

Chancellor Friedrich Merz originally imposed the export curbs in August after the Israeli government announced operations in and around Gaza City. Germany is one of Israel’s largest arms suppliers and has been a firm diplomatic supporter of Israel, even as several leading human-rights groups and experts have described aspects of Israel’s campaign in Gaza as potentially amounting to genocide.

Hille declined to disclose specific types or volumes of equipment affected by the suspension or whether any consignments had been withheld during the pause. He emphasised that the country’s standard practice of reviewing military exports on an individual basis will continue.

Concerns from critics and context

Critics say the move is premature given reports of near-daily strikes in Gaza, ongoing restrictions on aid deliveries and limited temporary housing, and a worsening humanitarian situation aggravated by recent heavy rains. Domestic critics also point to a tougher approach within Germany toward pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including arrests and event bans.

Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, welcomed Berlin’s decision and urged other governments to follow suit. When Germany announced the suspension in August, Israeli officials criticised it as a measure that would "reward terrorism." German officials continue to emphasise Israel’s "right to defend itself."

Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicate Germany accounted for about 30% of Israel’s major arms imports between 2019 and 2023. Much of Germany’s military exports to Israel have included naval systems such as the Saar 6–class frigates, which have been deployed in operations around Gaza. A poll published in September found that 62% of German respondents believed Israel’s actions in Gaza constituted genocide.

The German government says it will keep monitoring the situation closely and reserve the right to reimpose restrictions if circumstances change.