The move followed weeks of debate over reports of hunger in Gaza, but it was precipitated by Israel’s decision to expand military operations there.

Germany has called on Israel to provide a clear and transparent explanation following the killing of Al Jazeera journalists in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. The comments came after the Qatar-based broadcaster announced earlier that prominent correspondent Anas al-Sharif and four of his colleagues were killed when an Israeli airstrike hit a tent for media workers in Gaza City.

Germany's decision to curb arms exports to Israel comes in response to Israel's plan to expand its operations in the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday in an interview with public broadcaster ARD.