Germany Initiates Humanitarian Air Bridge to Gaza Amid Pressure on Israel

The German government has launched an urgent initiative to establish a humanitarian air bridge to Gaza, collaborating with Jordan, France, and the United Kingdom. This move comes after a federal security cabinet meeting aimed at addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted Germany's commitment to implementing this plan immediately. He noted that Defence Minister Boris Pistorius would oversee operations in coordination with French and British counterparts, as both nations have shown willingness to participate.

Furthermore, Chancellor Merz expressed Germany's intent to possibly enact measures to pressure Israel into improving humanitarian access. He revealed that the government is evaluating its options and may propose actions to the European Commission, while arms export decisions remain under the Federal Security Council's jurisdiction. The course of action will be clearer after Foreign Minister Johann Fadeful's upcoming regional visit.

(With inputs from agencies.)