Berlin protests demand halt to arms exports to Israel; Germany resumes shipments despite Gaza concerns.

Hundreds protested in Berlin demanding an end to German arms exports to Israel, calling its actions in Gaza genocide, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed support for Israel during his first visit since taking office, reversing a temporary arms export suspension. Germany, Israel’s second-largest arms supplier, resumed exports in November citing Gaza’s stabilization, despite ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns. Merz urged Israel against West Bank annexation, stressing a two-state solution, while Germany acquired Israel’s Arrow 3 missile system in a 3.6 billion euro deal. Protests and international scrutiny continue amid reports of Israeli military operations, settler violence, and aid restrictions.