New Delhi, May 27 -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has condemned Israel's recent military actions in Gaza, stating the level of destruction and civilian casualties is "no longer justified."

In an interview with German broadcasters, Merz criticised the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for intensifying attacks on densely populated areas, SKY News reported.

"Harming the civilian population to such an extent, as has increasingly been the case in recent days, can no longer be justified as a fight against Hamas terrorism," Merz said.

He added that he intends to speak directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week to urge restraint, emphasising, "I don't understand what the Israeli army is now doing in Gaza. They must not ov...