No More Ammo for This Neverending Struggle: Germany Needs to Speak Up Loud and Clear to Israel
Germany needs to unequivocally communicate its stance to Israel immediately
A nudge by Hubertus Volmer*More InfoFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailPrint***Copy Link
Israel, the lone oasis of democracy within the tumultuous Middle East, has been pushed to the brink in a conflict that never seems to end. Now, it's time for Germany to stand tall and make Israel hear a clear and unambiguous message: actions speak louder than words.
Established in the wake of a barrage of attacks, Israel has frequently found itself in the role of protector. Even within hours of its birth, Israel was attacked by Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. The country only extended its territorial reach due to persistent threats from neighboring Arab states in the aftermath of the initial war. Today, Iran serves as Israel's greatest threat, advocating for Israel's elimination for decades.
The onset of the conflict in the Gaza Strip can be traced back to October 7, 2023, with Hamas terrorists launching indiscriminate attacks against Israel. This horrific act claimed nearly 1,200 lives and kidnapped 250 more souls, marking the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. To this very day, Hamas continues its brutal campaign from the safety of the Gaza Strip, while attacks by the Iran-linked Houthi militia in Yemen are becoming increasingly common. And as if holding innocent captives wasn't enough, the group continues its rocket attacks on Israeli soil.
Can Democracy Endure Indiscriminate Warfare?
While Israel's actions against Hamas in response to these attacks might seem justified at first glance, the international community, including Germany, can't turn a blind eye to the disproportionate response. During the war, a famine loomed over the Gaza Strip, with the Israeli government accused of using starvation as a weapon. Aid finally began to reach the impoverished region after a long period of sufferings, but only following deliberate, tireless efforts by humanitarian organizations.
Yet, the most unsettling fact is the dead toll: up to 109,000 Palestinians are estimated to have lost their lives as a result of the conflict, representing four to five percent of the Gaza Strip's pre-war population. This heart-wrenching figure surpasses the grim numbers provided by Hamas-controlled health authorities in the area, who reported a total of 54,084 fatalities, including 16,854 children.
War Crimes, Questionable Intentions, and the Desperate Need for a Way Out
The blatant evidence pointing to Israel's potential violation of international humanitarian law has raised questions about the country's motives. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, writing in the newspaper "Haaretz," explicitly accused Israel of waging a "war of devastation" in the Gaza Strip. These aren't isolated incidents, he claimed, but prove the deliberate outcome of government policy. Olmert is unequivocal: "Yes, Israel is committing war crimes."
Meanwhile, the Gaza Strip is on the brink of destruction, with no safe havens for its residents in sight. Colonel and military strategist Matthias Wasinger, in an interview with ntv.de, emphasized that Hamas is more than just a terrorist organization - it's an ideology. Israel has self-reported the killing of around 20,000 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters since this neverending conflict began. However, experts estimate that Hamas has recruited a staggering 15,000 new fighters during the same period, indicating the futility of establishing any lasting peace through brute force.
Leadership Must Steer the Course Towards Peace
With the Israeli government relying solely on military success and attacking the very heart of the Gaza Strip, it's high time for a new approach. Action is required now. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz was spot on when he questioned Israel's methods: "I don't understand - quite honestly - what the Israeli army is doing in the Gaza Strip now," he said last week. "The civilian population is increasingly being affected, and that cannot be justified as a fight against Hamas terrorism."
Germany must take a stand and make a difference. It's imperative for our government to engage in diplomatic efforts and advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. It's time to make clear that we are ready and willing to support Israel, but on the condition that peace is the ultimate objective and that violence against innocent civilians is banned.
References
- German Government Continues Arms Deliveries to Israel, Despite Controversy
- The Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip: Israel's Responsibility under International Law
- Requiem for the Dead: The Tragic Toll of the Israel-Gaza Conflict
- The Legal Landscape of Israel's Actions During the Gaza Conflict
- [German Arms Export Review: Holding Israel to Account](https://www.pAuthor: Janelle BrackettDate: 06/07/2023Version: 1.0.0Word Count: 985Sentiment: Negative
The European Union stands firm in its comprehensive and comprehensive approach to the fight against terrorism, recognizing the need for diplomacy and peace in addressing war-and-conflicts, such as the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Amidst this general-news, Germany's leadership is urged to speak louder than words, utilizing politics for the pursuit of peace rather than silence while Israel continues to face accusations of war crimes and questionable intentions.
