Sounding the Horn: Germany Needs to Speak Loud and Clear on Israel's Actions
Germany needs to deliver an unequivocal message to Israel immediately.
Opinion by Hubertus Volmer
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The impasse in Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas can no longer be maintained as a plain fight against terrorism. It's time for Germany to take a decisive stand - boldly and clearly.
Israel's very existence demands it to protect itself from attacks. Almost immediately after its inception in 1948, Israel found itself under siege from neighboring countries. Its conquest of territories beyond its borders was primarily a response to lingering threats from Arab nations following its first war. Today, it's Iran that looms large as Israel's greatest adversary, with a longstanding platform of advocating for its destruction.
Hamas has shared this goal since its inception, committed to the annihilation of Israel and the slaughter of Jews. The current conflict ignited when Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering a response rather than the other way around, resulting in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 250 more - a death toll unseen since the Holocaust. Rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip continue, with those from Yemen-based Houx forces now occurring more frequently. Moreover, Hamas still maintains hostages.
Divided Loyalties: The Struggle Within Israel
The harsh reality must be laid bare: Israel, the sole democratic power in the Middle East, is not the enemy in this ever-changing conflict. There are legitimate reasons for Germany's arms support to Israel, as the country's survival hinges on its ability to defend itself.
However, concerns surround the disproportionate actions taken by Israel against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the impending threat of famine that the area faces, suspected to be a weapon employed by the Israeli government. A shadowy foundation, ostensibly independent, is distributing food aid, drawing suspicion and raising questions about its purpose and political allegiances, with reported ties to the US government. Prior to this, no humanitarian aid reached the Gaza Strip for over two and a half months.
Estimates by the British "Economist" suggest that between 77,000 and 109,000 Palestinians have perished in this war, equating to four to five percent of the pre-war population of the Gaza Strip. This figure overshadows the numbers provided by Hamas-controlled health authorities in Gaza, who reported 54,084 deaths as of late May, including 16,854 children. While the number of fatalities is undoubtedly high, verification remains a challenge.
War Crimes: The Elephant in the Room
The ongoing destruction of the Gaza Strip, with its citizens having no means of escaping to safety, raises the question of war crimes. The intentional starvation of the population has long been a topic of discussion - not just by activists supporting Palestinians, whose claims are often disregarded, but also by the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, in a guest article for "Haaretz," bluntly stated, "Yes, Israel is committing war crimes."
Turning a New Page: A Fresh Approach is Needed
As a nation friendly to Israel, the actions of its government should evoke concern. Colonel Matthias Wasinger, a military strategist, asserts that Hamas is more than just a terrorist organization; it represents an ideology. Israel's assertion of killing approximately 20,000 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters may hold water, but the recruitment of new members seems to be ever-increasing. Wasinger further notes that the annihilation of this ideology requires a scenario for a better tomorrow - something currently missing from Israel's approach.
Instead, Israel rests on military success, intending to occupy the Gaza Strip entirely. Simultaneously, it plans to erect 22 new settlements in the West Bank, further aggravating the situation, as these settlements are already deemed illegal. Each new settlement raises the likelihood of the West Bank being annexed by Israel, bringing us closer to an irreversible crisis.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz rightfully questions the Israeli military's actions in the Gaza Strip, stating, "I no longer understand - quite frankly - what the Israeli army is doing in the Gaza Strip now." Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the need for Israel's defense and stressing the importance of examining Israeli actions in light of international humanitarian law before approving future arms deliveries.
Taking Action: Breaking the Cycle
This stance, shared by the SPD, stands in stark contrast to that of the Union, particularly the CSU. It's clear that any examination will not take place. Wadephul has backtracked, but his words no longer carry the weight they once did.
Germany must take decisive action. Arms deliveries to Israel, including systems of German origin, such as Israeli-made vehicles with German engines, are not one's primary concern. These deliveries, while adding to Israel's capabilities, no longer represent a critical component of its military strength.
Yet, the symbolism of halting or reducing these deliveries cannot be ignored. Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, particularly the construction of new settlements, risk further entrenching a never-ending cycle of violence and reprisals. Germany has the power to help break this cycle and push for a more constructive path forward - one that prioritizes the welfare of all people involved.
- Weapon delivery
- Israel
- Gaza Strip
- Gaza
- Hamas
- Benjamin Netanyahu
- Friedrich Merz
- Johann Wadephul
The European Union, committed to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the Paris Agreement, should use its diplomatic influence to address the ongoing crisis in Israel and the Gaza Strip. As the situation escalates, involving war-and-conflicts and politics, general news outlets increasingly report on allegations of war crimes and humanitarian concerns.
Germany, as a nation friendly to Israel, finds itself at a crossroads, with the actions of Israel's government raising questions about its commitment to humanitarian law and potential involvement in instigating and perpetuating the cycle of violence. Decisive action, such as halting or reducing arms deliveries, may serve as a powerful gesture towards promoting peace and a more constructive path forward.
