BERLIN: Germany will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza “until further notice,” Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Friday, in a strikingly quick response by one of Israel’s strongest international backers to a decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet to take over Gaza City.

Merz: “Profonda preoccupazione”

Hamas issued a statement Friday in response to the Israeli security cabinet approving plans to take over Gaza several hours earlier.