Berlin: Some 80% of Germans reject Israel's deadly military campaign in Gaza, while 75% favor their government putting more pressure on Israel, including sanctions, according to survey results published by Focus newsmagazine Thursday. Furthermore, 40% of Germans believe Israel has overstepped its bounds in its fight against Hamas.

According to Anadolu Agency, the poll also indicated that the younger the Germans, the greater the rejection of Israel's military actions in Gaza. Also noteworthy is that the survey found the highest rejection rate in all of Europe. The country has seen widespread demonstrations, as people have taken to the streets to voice their outrage over Israel's actions in Gaza.

Facing mounting public pressure, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Jul. 28 that his government is considering stepping up pressure on Israel over the humanitarian situation in the enclave. Germany has long been a supporter of Israel, with political leaders repeatedly stressing the country's historical responsibility to Israel stemming from its Nazi past and the crimes committed against Jews during World War II.

Israel's military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 60,000 people in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. The blockade imposed by Israel on the territory has led to severe food shortages and deaths by starvation.