Gaza Crisis: Humanitarian Obligations and International Stance
Israel necessitates adherence to 'moral responsibilities' within the Gaza Strip, according to Merz. - Israel holds responsibility to uphold "moral duties towards humanity" in Gaza
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has raised concerns over the severe humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor candidate, emphasized the importance of Israel upholding its humanitarian obligations and international law.
- Israel's Responsibility
Merz urged Israel to adhere to humanitarian norms, given its co-responsibility in ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the Palestinian territories. It is essential to avoid further deepening the current humanitarian crisis, which has been worsened by the following factors:
- Blockade and Restrictions: Israel's blockade has significantly hindered the entry of essential supplies like food, medicine, fuel, and electricity, causing critical shortages. This blockade, reinstated in March 2025 following a brief ceasefire, has led to an urgent need for aid.
- Humanitarian Emergency: The conflict's prolonged duration has led to a lack of aid, causing widespread hunger, malnutrition, especially among children, and a breakdown of basic services. The situation is critical, with the current conflict marking the worst crisis in nearly 19 months.
- Infrastructure Damage: Ongoing military activities have resulted in extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, further exacerbating displacement and suffering.
- International Response
Countries and organizations have responded to the crisis in several ways:
- UN and EU Concerns: The United Nations and European Union have expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict, urging Israeli and Palestinian leaders to exercise restraint and avoid further suffering.
- Aid Efforts: Some countries like Wales have donated to aid efforts despite the blockade. Local organizations provide cash assistance, psychological support, and other services as external supplies become scarce.
- US Initiatives: The U.S. proposes a new foundation to deliver aid to Gaza, bypassing traditional UN channels.
- Politicization of Aid: Criticisms have arisen due to allegations of Hamas hoarding aid, which Israel claims strengthens Hamas's control over Gaza. This politicized aid has complicated the situation, driving further conflict and humanitarian suffering.
Emmanuel Macron, French President, pleaded with Israel to lift the blockade on aid deliveries given the current critical state of the Gaza Strip. The German Chancellor, Johann Wadephul, is slated to travel to Israel this weekend to discuss the crisis further. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023 and has resulted in over 52,500 fatalities, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health.
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, akin to Merz's concern for humanitarian obligations.
- Both the Gaza crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict fall under the general category of war-and-conflicts, as specified by international politics.
- Friedrich Merz, like other political leaders, holds the view that Israel must abide by international law in its humanitarian interactions, much like industrial entities must comply with regulations to protect workers from carcinogens.
- The ongoing conflict and the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza bear a striking resemblance to the importance of proper safety measures in Merz's proposed directive on carcinogen exposure.
