Berlin: New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed deep concerns over the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, calling on the Israeli occupation to commit to its humanitarian obligations during its so-called “military” operations.

According to Kuwait News Agency, Merz, who just took over government, told media that he was deeply concerned over the situation in the Gaza Strip, stressing the necessity of delivering humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the aggression. The chancellor refused to answer a question regarding his invitation to Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Germany when Merz won the German election back in February 23.

When Merz’s party, Christian Democratic Union, won the election, he invited Netanyahu to visit despite the ICJ’s arrest warrant. The invitation was met with criticism by politicians, media, and the elite in Germany.

The German parliament, the “Bundestag,” elected Merz as the new Chancellor after his predecessor Olaf Scholz lost in early elections.