Berlin, August 8 (QNA) - Germany announced Friday the suspension of arms exports to the Israeli occupation, a radical shift in its policy toward it following the approval by the so-called "Security Cabinet" of a plan to reoccupy the Gaza Strip, expand military control over it, and displace its population of approximately 2.4 million people. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a statement, "Under these circumstances, the German government will not permit any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice," in the first punitive measure taken by his government against the occupation. He expressed his government's "deep concern about the continued suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip," reiterating his call for full access for United Nations organizations and other non-governmental organizations to the population of the Strip. He added, "The German government urges Israel not to take new steps toward annexing the West Bank," amid divisions within his coalition. The governor's call for some Social Democratic Party ministers to take a tougher stance toward the Israeli government. It is worth noting that since the outbreak of the Israeli war on Gaza, Germany has authorized the export of weapons worth no less than EUR 485 million to the occupation, including firearms, ammunition, spare parts, special equipment for the army and navy, electronic equipment, and special armored vehicles. (QNA)