Germany grants Israel access to Heron TP combat drones for Gaza operations

German Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, extends support to Israel after the unprecedented killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas, the Islamist militant group.

Germany permits Israel to utilize two of its Heron TP combat drones for operations in the Gaza Strip.

The German Ministry of Defence approved Israel’s request to employ unmanned aerial vehicles in combat against Hamas.

Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, currently lease five drones from the Israeli arms manufacturer.

Two of the drones are in Israel, where German soldiers are being trained to operate them.

Israel has temporarily halted the training of German pilots as the drones are redeployed, as reported by German news magazine Der Spiegel.

Pistorius mentioned during a NATO defence ministers’ meeting that if the situation deteriorates, Israel would consult with its partners, and Germany is prepared to provide assistance, including humanitarian aid, upon Israel’s request.

He emphasized that Israel sought political support rather than military or technical assistance, according to previous statements by Israeli officials.

Hamas, the ruling militant group in Gaza, initiated a major attack against Israel, prompting ongoing Israeli airstrikes on the densely populated coastal enclave.

The conflict has resulted in over 1,000 casualties on each side. (NAN)