New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed concern about Israel’s plans to take over the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza and said his new foreign minister would travel to Israel over the weekend.

“It must be clear that the Israeli government must fulfil its obligations under international law and that humanitarian aid must be provided in the Gaza Strip,” he told ARD television.

“We view the developments of the last few days with considerable concern,” he said, adding Israel had the right to defend itself but must live up to its humanitarian obligations.

Berlin feels a special responsibility towards Israel due to Germany’s legacy of the Holocaust and is traditionally cautious in its criticism of the government.