Urgent Plea for Increased German Efforts in Securing the Release of Hostage Itay Chen, Captive of Hamas, by His Parents
In a stark open letter, the parents of Itay Chen, a German-Israeli citizen who was killed and kidnapped during a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, have called on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to take a more active role in efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Itay Chen, a grandson of Holocaust survivors from Bad Reichenhall, was just 19 years old at the time of his death. His parents have accused the German government of not participating sufficiently in negotiations led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, and not exerting more pressure on Qatar and Egypt to secure the liberation of the hostages, including seven German citizens who are currently being held.
The parents have also criticised the German government for not holding Turkey more accountable for its role as an alleged financial hub, and for not joining US sanctions against supporters of the Hamas military wing. They question the lack of public attention given to the German victims of terrorism and the German government's decision to impose a partial arms embargo on Israel, which they believe is confusing and counterproductive to the liberation of hostages.
Germany has been criticised for its cautious and limited role in efforts to secure the release of hostages, with some critics arguing that Germany's reluctance to more actively pressure Hamas or recognise Palestine may hamper broader peace efforts. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has emphasised Germany's firm support for Israel and the need to defeat Hamas militarily, while simultaneously calling for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
However, Merz has faced internal party backlash after deciding to partially suspend weapons deliveries to Israel, defending the position by noting that supplying arms should not perpetuate a conflict that risks massive civilian casualties. Meanwhile, Germany continues to uphold the principle of a two-state solution and has repeatedly condemned Israeli settlement expansions, but has so far withheld formal diplomatic recognition of Palestine.
The open letter, which was written in response to the German government's decision regarding the arms embargo on Israel, was reported by Bild on Wednesday. The parents address Merz as a politician, father, and grandfather, and warn that Germany's restraint could send a signal to terrorist groups worldwide that German citizens are "easy targets".
According to Israeli reports, around 50 hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip. The German government provisionally halted approvals for new arms exports to Israel on Friday, after the Israeli government decided to temporarily occupy the Gaza Strip.
The criticism of the German government's approach to the hostage crisis and the arms embargo on Israel is likely to continue, as the parents of Itay Chen and others affected by the conflict call for a more active and consistent role from Germany in efforts to secure peace and the release of hostages.
[1] Bild [2] Deutsche Welle [3] Spiegel Online [4] Reuters
- The open letter from Itay Chen's parents to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasizes the need for a more active political role from Germany in securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, particularly considering the presence of seven German citizens among them.
- In the same vein, the parents of Itay Chen have criticized the German government's involvement in general-news topics such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, arguing that Berlin should exert pressure on Qatar and Egypt, hold Turkey accountable, and reinforce sanctions against Hamas supporters, to ensure the safety of German citizens and contribute to crime-and-justice efforts.
