Overview

• Chancellor Merz argues Germany’s June European Council declaration is “practically identical” to the 28-state appeal and defends not signing the joint letter.
• SPD leaders including Matthias Miersch and Reem Alabali Radovan have publicly urged Berlin to join the international ceasefire call and halt arms exports to Israel.
• Chancellery Minister Thorsten Frei asserts the governing coalition remains united despite internal debates over Gaza policy.
• About 130 mainly junior diplomats in the Foreign Ministry have formed a “loyal nonconform” group to push for tougher public criticism of Israel.
• President Macron used his Berlin meeting with Merz to reproach Germany’s isolation on Gaza just as UN agencies warn of a catastrophic hunger crisis and obstructed aid in Gaza.