Berlin. Germany will suspend all exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza “until further notice,” Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Friday. The move marks an unusually swift response from one of Israel’s strongest allies to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet decision to take control of Gaza City.

The decision signals a shift for Berlin, which has until now avoided taking the tougher stance toward Israel adopted by some European Union partners. It comes amid mounting international criticism of Israel’s planned military takeover, condemned by the United Nations and by families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

Merz reaffirmed that Israel “has the right to defend itself against Hamas’ terror,” but stressed that freeing hostages and pursuing meaningful cease-fire talks in the 22-month conflict “are our top priority.” Hamas, he said, must have no role in Gaza’s future.

“The even harsher military action approved by the Israeli Cabinet last night makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals can be achieved,” Merz said. “Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.”

He voiced deep concern for the suffering of Gaza’s civilians and urged Israel to allow full access for humanitarian aid — including for U.N. agencies and NGOs. With the planned offensive, he warned, Israel “bears even greater responsibility than before for meeting their needs.”

Berlin also called on Israel to refrain from “any further steps toward annexing the West Bank.” It was unclear which specific German-made equipment would be affected by the halt.

Germany, shaped by its Holocaust history, has long been one of Israel’s staunchest backers regardless of who leads its government. Merz’s administration has notably declined to join French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in their recent pledge to formally recognize a Palestinian state in September.