Today's Edition
BERLIN (dpa)
Germany plans to establish an airlift to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip with the support of Jordan, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday.
The operation is set to begin "immediately," he said following a meeting of the Security Cabinet in Berlin.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will work closely with France and the United Kingdom, both of which have expressed willingness to join the effort to transport food and aid, Merz said.
"We know this can only be a small help for the people in Gaza," the chancellor said. "But at least it is a contribution that we are glad to make."
Merz said the Security Cabinet also discussed options to increase pressure on Israel to improve the dire situation in the Gaza Strip.
"We reserve the right to take such steps," he said.
The government will however wait until after Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul's trip to the region on Thursday before making any decisions, Merz said.
Merz did not mention any specific measures, but said Germany could submit a proposal to the European Commission. A halt to arms deliveries and a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement have been floated as possible options.
