Wadephul Slams Israel's Actions, Yet Stands by Israel - Germany Urges Adherence to International Law in Gaza
Israel alleged to disregard international law, according to Wadephul; Saar advocates for Israeli military actions - Israel Faces International Law Allegations by Wadephul, Saar Defends Israeli Military
Tensions in the West Bank leave Federal Foreign Minister Wadephul unsettled. Government members pushing for annexation erodes trust in the government, he cautioned.
On the Gaza Strip front, Wadephul calls on Israel to let more humanitarian aid flow into the coastal strip. He said, "People in Gaza don't know where their next meal or medicine will come from. Some even risk their lives to get aid, only to return empty-handed or worse, dead."
Immediate and comprehensive humanitarian action is needed in Gaza, Wadephul insists, "It's not just about humanity, but international law too."
While backing Israel, Germany has a commitment to uphold international law, according to Wadephul. "We've got Israel's back, but we ain't ignoring international law."
Saar dismisses Israel as the culprit for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, blaming Hamas instead.
Despite adhering to international law, Israel isn't duty-bound to fund Hamas, argued Saar. "We're at war, and the last thing we need is to finance our enemy's army."
Previous aid deliveries were a means for Hamas to fund itself, as per Saar, but the new system under the GHF foundation, with U.S. backing, ensures Hamas can't profit. Saar pleads with Germany to give this system a shot. "It's simple — this could liberate the Palestinian people from Hamas' grip."
Saar appreciated Germany's support for Israel, and asked for it to continue. Israel faces pressure on multiple fronts — military, legal, diplomatic, and economic attacks. Yet, Saar assured, "Germany ain't backing down, we're with Israel all the way."
Pre-media conference at the Federal Foreign Office, Waadephul and Saar paid respects at the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, laying a wreath. Saar bemoaned the rise of anti-Semitism in Germany, "The rise of anti-Semitism is a dark stain on our nation, and it's heartbreaking to see Jews living in fear here."
Wadephul echoed this sentiment, "The surge of anti-Semitism is worrying, and it's disheartening to see Jewish folks afraid to feel safe in their own home."
The Israeli Foreign Minister's visit was met with protests, demanding an end to Israeli actions in Gaza and a halt to German arms sales to Israel. "The German government must prevent further human rights abuses in Gaza," said Julia Duchrow, General Secretary of Amnesty International Germany.
Israel faces international scrutiny to halt the Gaza war, sparked by Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023. Israel faces accusations of denying aid access to the Palestinian populace.
- Johann Wadephul
- Gideon Saar
- Germany
- Gaza Strip
- International Law
- CDU
- West Bank
- Settlement Policy
- Hamas
- Gaza
- Berlin
- AA
- Israel
Insight:
While Germany is critical of Israel's settlement expansion plans in the West Bank, it maintains a strong alliance with Israel, providing continued diplomatic and military support despite public opposition to arms sales[1][3]. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed concerns over Israeli military operations in Gaza, but official policy remains focused on maintaining stability and promoting peace in the region[1][3]. This stance reflects a delicate balance between supporting Israel's security and adhering to international law principles[1][3].
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as Germany's political landscape grapples with issues of war-and-conflicts, general news, and crime-and-justice, beyond the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The discussions surrounding the Gaza Strip and Israel's actions have highlighted the importance of international law, not only in the context of the ongoing conflict but also in ensuring the protection of workers in various industries, even within the realm of politics.
