Germany stops military exports that could be used in Gaza
Berlin, Aug 9 (AP): German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says his country will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza “until further notice.”
Friday's move from Germany, which has been a stalwart supporter of Israel for decades, comes after the Israeli Cabinet announced plans to take over Gaza City.
In a statement, Merz emphasised that Israel “has the right to defend itself against Hamas' terror” and said that the release of Israeli hostages and “purposeful” negotiations toward a cease-fire in the 22-month conflict are our top priority.” He said Hamas must not have a role in the future of Gaza.
“The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli Cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved,” he added. “Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.”
The German government remains deeply concerned about the suffering of civilians in Gaza, he said, adding: “With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before for providing for their needs.”
He called on Israel to allow comprehensive access for aid deliveries — including for UN organisations and other NGOs — and said Israel “must continue to comprehensively and sustainably address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.”
Germany also called on Israel's government “not to take any further steps toward annexing the West Bank.”
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Raghuvanshi, spinners fire KKR to seven-wicket win over SRH
Hyderabad (PTI): The promising Angkrish Raghuvanshi (59) made a well-paced fifty as Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets in their IPL match here on Sunday.
Skipper Ajinkya Rahane (43) and Raghuvanshi added 84 runs for the second wicket as KKR overhauled SRH’s under-par 165 all out with ease.
Finn Allen made an aggressive 29 off 13 balls upfront to give KKR a brisk start.
Earlier, Travis Head made a belligerent 61 off 28 balls but KKR's spinners bowled well to restrict SRH to 165.
Mystery spinners Varun Chakravarthy (3/36) and Sunil Narine (2/31) wrecked SRH middle-order with controlled spells.
Along the way of his two-wicket burst in his fourth-over, Narine also completed 200 IPL wickets.
The spinner was the third bowler to achieve the feat after Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Ishan Kishan made 42 off 29 balls.
Brief Scores:
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 165 all out in 19 overs (Travis Head 61, Ishan Kishan 42; Varun Chakravarthy 3/36, Sunil Narine 2/31).
Kolkata Knight Riders: 169/3 in 18.2 overs (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 59, Ajinkya Rahane 43).
