Germany to organise Gaza aid airlift: Merz

Germany Steps Up to Airlift Aid to Hunger-Stricken Gaza

Berlin pledges support as international concern over starvation grows.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Monday that Germany will partner with Jordan in an airlift mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, following Israel's promise to open secure routes for supplies. This move comes amid escalating global concern over the dire humanitarian situation in the war-torn territory.

"Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will coordinate this very closely with France and the United Kingdom, which are also prepared to conduct such an airlift for food and medical supplies," said Merz. He added, "We know that this can only be a very small help for the people in Gaza, but nevertheless it is a contribution that we will gladly make.”

Merz, who is meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Berlin on Tuesday, stressed the urgency of improving the situation. "I urge Israel to immediately improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza in a comprehensive and sustainable manner," he said.

Germany also aims to facilitate peace talks between Hamas and Israel. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will travel to the Middle East on Thursday to support ceasefire negotiations.

International Pressure Amid Rising Hunger

Concern over starvation has intensified in recent weeks as aid groups warn that “mass starvation” is spreading in Gaza after more than 21 months of conflict.

Israel, facing mounting international pressure, announced a daily "tactical pause" in fighting in some areas over the weekend. On Monday, truckloads of food reached hungry Gazans following Israel's promise to open secure aid routes. However, humanitarian agencies emphasize that vast quantities of aid are still desperately needed to avert mass starvation.