AssetID: 54935411
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Germany's Merz Faces Growing Pressure to Toughen Stance on Israel
Caption: Germany’s Merz Faces Growing Pressure to Toughen Stance on Israel. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing mounting pressure from his coalition to adopt a firmer stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. Germany was notably absent from a joint statement issued by 28 Western nations, condemning the killing of Palestinians in Gaza and calling for an end to the war. Reem Alabali Radovan, an SPD minister in Merz's coalition, expressed disappointment over Germany's decision not to join the condemnation. Merz explained that the European Council had issued a similar statement, which Germany had supported, and denied any divisions within his coalition. The EU countries' statement condemned the "drip feeding of aid" to Gaza and criticized Israel for the deaths of more than 800 civilians seeking aid. Merz revealed he had spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, expressing Germany's disapproval of Israel's Gaza policy. SPD members, including Adis Ahmetovic and Rolf Mützenich, argue that Germany must take clear action against Israel’s actions in Gaza and hold Israel accountable. SPD lawmakers are advocating for the suspension of the EU-Israel relations pact and halting the export of weapons used in violations of international law. Critics within the SPD coalition argue that the legacy of the Holocaust should not be used to excuse Israeli actions, and the "never again" motto should apply to Gaza as well. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Friedrich Merz,Germany,Israel,Gaza,coalition,SPD,European Union,humanitarian crisis,Israel- Palestine conflict,EU-Israel relations
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