German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany's stance on the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza remains unchanged despite his government's order to suspend arms to Israel which could be used in Gaza.

"We will continue to help this country to defend itself," Merz told German public broadcaster ARD on Sunday, adding that despite this stance, the German government could not supply weapons to a conflict where hundreds to thousands of civilians could be killed.

The move to partially halt German arms exports to Israel comes after Israel's Security Cabinet announced Israel would take over Gaza City.

That plan has been condemned by UN chief Antonio Guterres and numerous countries such as the UK, France and Canada, who believe it will exacerbate Gaza's ongoing humanitarian crisis.

"Solidarity with Israel does........

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