BERLIN — Germany will suspend arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Friday, marking Berlin’s clearest shift yet in response to Israel’s escalating military campaign.

“Under these circumstances, the German government will, until further notice, not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip,” Merz said in a government press release. He added that Israel’s intensified operations in Gaza — approved by its Cabinet overnight—make it “increasingly difficult” to see how stated goals like the release of hostages or the disarmament of Hamas can be achieved.

The move stops short of a full weapons embargo and leaves open the possibility of continued exports for systems unrelated to the Gaza campaign, such as missile defense or naval equipment.

Germany has long emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and reiterated Friday that “the disarmament of Hamas is essential.”

However, Merz sharply criticized the humanitarian consequences of Israel’s planned offensive, urging the government to allow “full access for aid deliveries, including for U.N. organizations and other non-governmental institutions.”

“The Israeli government carries greater responsibility than ever for the civilian population’s supply,” Merz said.

Germany is one of Israel’s closest defense partners in Europe. The freeze affects only new arms export approvals. Deliveries from past deals can still go ahead — but if the weapons could be used in Gaza, those shipments may also be put on hold.

The announcement follows mounting pressure in Germany to reevaluate arms transfers amid reports of growing civilian casualties and limited access for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Merz also warned Israel against steps “toward annexation of the West Bank,” in a signal that Berlin is monitoring developments beyond the current war.