German Chancellor Merz calls Israeli actions in Gaza 'unacceptable'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza, calling the situation in the Palestinian enclave “unacceptable.”

“I don’t like what the Israeli government has been doing in Gaza for weeks,” Merz said in an interview with ARD television. He added that he has raised the issue several times in conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“I hope we, as Europeans, together with the Americans, can find a solution that ultimately leads to a two-state settlement,” Merz said.

He stressed that Palestinians have the right to a place to live. “The current situation in Gaza is unacceptable,” the chancellor said.

The Israeli army launched a large-scale ground operation, "Chariots of Gideon", on May 18 in the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip. Israel says the goal is to defeat Hamas and free Israeli hostages held in the enclave. Netanyahu said the military plans to take full control of the territory after the operation.