Unity appealed for during a charity music event by Steinmeier
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence in Germany, particularly in light of the ongoing Gaza conflict. During a charity concert in Leipzig on Sunday, the President called for a balanced and historically informed approach amid heightened tensions.
Steinmeier expressed hope that people in Germany, regardless of their religious affiliation, can live peacefully together. He cautioned against reckless condemnation of Israel and urged Germans to consider the profound trauma the Gaza conflict represents, particularly for Jews worldwide.
The President described the Hamas attack on Israel last October as a "watershed moment" and expressed the responsibility shaped by German history to support Israel's existence and security. While acknowledging the suffering on all sides, he warned against simplistic or heated judgments that ignore historical context.
Regarding peaceful coexistence, recent German government statements, including by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, underscore support for Israel’s right to security combined with calls for compliance with international humanitarian law and the necessity of allowing aid to Gaza. Wadephul, in particular, has highlighted the humanitarian crisis and called for negotiations between Israel and Hamas aiming at a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live peacefully side by side.
However, Steinmeier did not specify any actions or measures to promote peaceful coexistence in Germany. It is likely his position encourages peaceful and responsible public discourse, given his warnings against heedless condemnation and the historical responsibility Germans bear.
Steinmeier also spoke about the protests in Germany, stating that rules should be followed on the streets. He did not mention any specific terrorist acts or groups in relation to his condemnation of terrorist violence. The nature of the protests in Germany, which Steinmeier addressed, was not specified in the current paragraph.
In summary, Steinmeier's latest position stresses historical responsibility, the complexity of the conflict, caution against rash accusations, and implicitly supports peaceful coexistence, reflecting a balanced and historically informed approach amid heightened tensions.
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