Turku, May 29 (V7N) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sharply criticized Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza, describing the scale and intensity of recent airstrikes as "no longer understandable" and warning of grave humanitarian consequences.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Turku, Merz expressed alarm over what he called a disproportionate military response by Israel in its latest offensive, which he said had gone far beyond legitimate counter-terrorism operations.

“The massive military offensive that the Israeli army is carrying out in Gaza no longer makes sense to me,” Merz said. “What is their goal? The release of hostages alone is not a sufficient explanation.”

Merz emphasized that the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marked by widespread civilian casualties and destruction, must be addressed with urgency. “I am forced to say that what is happening there at the moment is no longer understandable. This suffering, this massacre, must stop,” he stated.

The remarks, reported by international outlets including AFP, represent a rare and strong departure from Germany’s traditionally cautious stance on Israeli military actions. Merz's statements have drawn significant attention, with many viewing them as a signal of shifting European sentiment amid escalating violence in Gaza.

The RPA (presumably referring to a European or rights-focused group) also echoed Merz's sentiments, calling the civilian toll in Gaza “completely unacceptable.”

This marks the second consecutive day that the German chancellor has publicly rebuked Israeli military conduct. In an earlier interview with German broadcaster WDR, Merz stated that recent airstrikes targeting civilian areas could no longer be justified, even under the banner of anti-Hamas operations.

Despite his criticism, Merz stopped short of outlining concrete policy shifts or diplomatic consequences for Israel. When pressed by journalists, he declined to specify how Germany’s position might change in terms of foreign policy or military cooperation.

Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat noted that Merz's remarks could signal a significant change in European diplomatic rhetoric, which has largely supported Israel’s right to self-defense while urging restraint.

As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, pressure is mounting on Western leaders to push for an immediate ceasefire and a renewed diplomatic push for peace.

END/MSS/AJ