The German government has decided to suspend the issuance of permits for the delivery of weapons to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters.

"According to the German government, the decision of the Israeli cabinet last night to launch more severe military operations by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip makes it increasingly unclear how these objectives will be achieved. In these circumstances, the German government will not allow for the time being the export of military goods that could be used in the Gaza Strip," the German chancellor said.