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In a significant development, SPD Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Siemtje Moeller has called for Germany to consider imposing sanctions on Israel due to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Moeller's proposals include a partial suspension of weapons exports to Israel, the partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and sanctions targeting far-right cabinet members of the Israeli government. These suggestions come after a recent visit to the occupied Palestinian territories and the Gaza border region with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
Moeller described Gaza's situation as "catastrophic," citing reports of rising starvation and denied aid requests. She expressed skepticism about Israel's assurances regarding humanitarian aid flow, arguing that external pressure is necessary to prompt Israeli policy changes.
The SPD politician also challenged the idea that recognizing a Palestinian state should be considered a "taboo." She suggested that recognition does not have to wait for a complete peace process and could be part of international diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.
The proposals align with a broader international push by countries such as Britain, Canada, and France to increase diplomatic pressure on Israel, including moves toward recognizing Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September 2025.
However, the German government has not yet ruled out a partial suspension of the EU association agreement but urged Israel to provide more aid to Gaza after a meeting of the Security Cabinet and a report from Wadephul.
Moeller's demands for sanctions against Israel are based on the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, as reported by UN organizations and local aid workers. She finds Israel's claims of no restrictions on aid delivery "unconvincing."
In addition, Moeller calls for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages from Islamist Hamas and believes that for a political future in Gaza, Hamas should have no further role. She advocates for a reformed Palestinian Authority capable of taking responsibility in Gaza.
A negotiated two-state solution is Moeller's long-term goal for the region. For now, if concrete improvements in the situation do not follow soon, she proposes three potential sanctions: partial suspension of the EU association agreement, sanctions against right-wing extremist Israeli cabinet members, or partial suspension of arms exports.
- In line with international efforts, Moeller's proposals for potential sanctions against Israel stem from the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a situation she deems "catastrophic," which has been reported by UN organizations and local aid workers.
- The SPD politician, Siemtje Moeller, has expressed skepticism about Israel's assurances regarding humanitarian aid flow, asserting that external pressure is crucial to prompt policy changes and alleviate the worsening situation in Gaza.
- Moeller, in her calls for intervention, has advocated not only for sanctions targeting far-right Israeli cabinet members but also for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages from Islamist Hamas as a step towards restoration of order and a political future in Gaza.
