Germany has suspended arms deliveries to Israel following the security cabinet's approval of a ground offensive to take full control of Gaza City, a move that could displace up to one million Palestinians. The decision has sparked international condemnation and deepened divisions within the Israeli government.
The plan, proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aims to disarm Hamas, return all hostages, demilitarise the Gaza Strip, and establish an alternative civil administration. It has not yet been endorsed by the full cabinet, which is expected to meet in the coming days. The offensive would force approximately one million people from Gaza City and surrounding areas into evacuation zones in southern Gaza, with the evacuation scheduled to be completed by 7 October.
Foreign ministers from the UK, Germany, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand issued a joint statement on Saturday warning that the operation would worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation, endanger hostages, and risk further mass displacement. An emergency UN Security Council meeting has been scheduled for Sunday.
The plan has reportedly caused a rift between Netanyahu and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) leadership. IDF Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir warned Netanyahu that he was 'walking into a trap,' but later vowed to carry out the government's orders. Commercial satellite imagery shows a buildup of Israeli military vehicles near the Gaza border, suggesting a new ground offensive may be imminent.
Hamas accused Netanyahu of abandoning the remaining hostages, stating that the plan sacrifices them for his personal and ideological agenda. The Trump administration has not opposed the proposal, while Germany's suspension of arms deliveries marks a significant shift in European support for Israel's military actions.
