Earlier this week, in response to an Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinian civilians, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed criticism at Israel's conduct in Gaza.

"It's a human tragedy and political catastrophe," he said in a publicly aired interview at the European Forum, organized by the German public broadcaster WDR. "Frankly speaking, I no longer understand what the goal of the Israeli army in Gaza Strip is," he added, referring to Israel's expanded operations in the enclave and the humanitarian crisis that has emerged from an Israeli blockade.

Merz also stressed he was well aware of Germany's history, and wanted to exercise caution when expressing criticism. "But when lines are crossed, when international humanitarian law is truly being violated, the German chancellor must say something about it," he stressed.

Until now, no leading German politician has been so clear in criticizing Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The Israeli ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, was quick to respond. "When Fredrich Merz raises this criticism of Israel, we listen very carefully, because he is a friend," he told the German public broadcaster ZDF on Tuesday morning.

Prosor went on to claim Israel was trying save those kidnapped on October 7, 2023, provide aid for Gaza's remaining civilians and prevent a "terrorist regime" in Gaza.

In response to the Hamas-led attacks in Israel in 2023, which saw 251 people kidnapped into Gaza and about........

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