Germany's Merz condemns Israeli minister's call for daily Gaza killings

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday strongly condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over his recent remarks calling for the nightly killing of dozens of Palestinians in Gaza. Deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille described the statements as violations of international law that are unacceptable to Berlin.

Berlin condemns 'inhumane appeals'

Hille told a press conference in the capital that Merz rejects Ben-Gvir's rhetoric. "The chancellor strongly condemns Minister Ben-Gvir’s inhumane appeals, which violate international law. They are unacceptable," Hille said, adding that such rhetoric has no place in democratic discourse.

EU to discuss sanctions

Hille noted that EU heads of state and government agreed at their June summit to prepare sanctions against extremist politicians who advocate violations of human dignity and international law. "The European Union foreign ministers will address this issue in the coming days at their informal Gymnich meeting. The European Union’s High Representative Kaja Kallas will submit proposals on this matter," he stated.

Minister's controversial remarks

Ben-Gvir recently called for stepped-up airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and for Israel to kill "30 to 40" Palestinians a day. The minister also renewed calls to resettle Israelis in the Palestinian enclave at the expense of the indigenous population, remarks that have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and several European capitals.