In two major editorials published in late July, Der Spiegel magazine accused Israel of violating international humanitarian law and condemned what it said was the German government's complicity. The front cover displayed a picture of Gaza women holding out empty bowls with the headline: "A Crime".

Germany is to suspend exports of weaponry that could be used in the Gaza Stripbecause of Israel's plan to expand its operations there - the first time united Germany has acknowledged denying military support to its long-time ally.