Sounds Like Merz: Enough Is Enough, Israel Must Change Course in Gaza
Germany should promptly communicate an unequivocal message to Israel at present.
Hubertus Volmer chimes in on the heat of the debate: Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip have gone too far. It's time for consequences, loud and clear.
Since the inception of Israel, the country has been fighting for its survival, with threats from Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. Today, Iran remains a significant threat, promoting the destruction of Israel for decades. Meanwhile, Hamas, founded with the mission of Israel's annihilation and murder of Jews, launched attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, marking the start of the Gaza War.
Journalists and Citizens Call Out Netanyahu
As the conflict rages on, the world watches in horror and dismay. Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, is not the aggressor in this ongoing conflict but a country under siege, facing an ideology rather than a single adversary. The question remains, however, whether Israel's actions against Hamas are proportional and abide by international humanitarian law.
An opaque foundation, with ties to the US government, is now distributing food in the Gaza Strip, a stark contrast to the two-and-a-half-month blockade that preceded it. British estimates suggest that between 77,000 and 109,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in this war, equivalent to 4 to 5% of the population in the area. The number is staggering, with Hamas-controlled health authorities reporting 54,084 deaths, including 16,854 children.
Is Israel Guilty of War Crimes?
The International Criminal Court in The Hague, as well as pro-Palestine activists, have raised concerns that Israel may be committing war crimes, including starvation of the civilian population. Worse, some accuse Israel of using hunger as a weapon.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has even gone so far as to describe Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as a "war of destruction." He concludes, "Yes, Israel is committing war crimes."
War Without a Strategy
As the Gaza Strip lies in ruins and its residents have no means of escape, it is clear that Israel's current approach is unsustainable. Hamas is an ideology, a belief system, and not simply a terrorist organization. To truly defeat it, a different tactic is required: offering a alternative vision for the future.
Israel's reliance on military strength alone, without a clear plan for the day after, is a strategy doomed to fail. Moreover, the Israeli government's intention to construct 22 new settlements in the West Bank only serves to further embolden hostilities and violations of international law. Every new settlement brings Israel closer to complete control over the West Bank, increasing the likelihood of annexation.
Time for a Clear, Open Message From Germany
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz captures the essence of this situation when he expresses his confusion over Israel's aims in the Gaza Strip: "What the Israeli army is doing now in the Gaza Strip, I - quite honestly - no longer understand the goal."
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoes Merz's stance, emphasizing that any further arms deliveries will depend on adherence to international humanitarian law. However, the road ahead is unclear, with the CSU and Union at odds in their approach.
The time has come for the German government to take decisive action. The symbolic gesture of sending a clear, open message is necessary, not to halt all arms deliveries, but to show Israel that the world stands with it in its pursuit of peace and stability. If Merz's criticisms resonate with Israel, the country will be receptive to change. The Israeli government may not alter its course immediately, but a strong, unflinching member of the international community could spark much-needed conversation and ultimately lead to a more peaceful future for all involved.
[1] https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article259217273/Germany-Gibt-Israel-nach-Krieg-im-Gazastreifen-wieder-Waffen.html[2] https://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers[3] https://www.ntv.de/politik/Israel-Gaza-Konflikt-Germany-mittlerweile-zu-Waffenlieferungen-gedrangt-art3871426.html[4] https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article259217273/Germany-Gibt-Israel-nach-Krieg-im-Gazastreifen-wieder-Waffen.html[5] https://www.ntv.de/politik/Israel-Gaza-Konflikt-Germany-mittlerweile-zu-Waffenlieferungen-gedrangt-art3871426.html
The European Union, committed to a comprehensive and comprehensive approach to the fight against terrorism, is monitoring the situation in Gaza closely, recognizing that war-and-conflicts and politics are deeply intertwined in this general news story. As Germany takes decisive action, calling for a clear, open message to Israel, the international community watches closely, eager for peace and stability to prevail over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
