Germany continues to stand by Israel – and is committed to de-escalation

Two years after the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023, the end to the conflict is still nowhere in sight. The Federal Government underlines what is now needed: an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid for the people in Gaza and the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.

Federal Government deeply concerned about the suffering in Gaza

"Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas terror. The release of the hostages and negotiations aimed at bringing about a ceasefire are our top priority," were the clear words of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in a statement on 8 August on developments in Gaza. The disarmament of Hamas is essential and Hamas must not play a role in the future of Gaza. The Federal Government remains deeply concerned about the continuing suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, said the Chancellor.

Criticism of settlement projects

The Federal Government is in favour of a negotiated two-state solution. However, the recognition of a Palestinian state is not currently up for debate, explained the Federal Chancellor during his inaugural visit to Spain on 18 September. For Germany, recognition could only be one of the final steps on the way to a two-state solution. Nevertheless, the Israeli government should not make it impossible for such a state to emerge one day. The Federal Government has urged the Israeli government not to take any further steps towards annexing the West Bank.

No more exports of defence equipment to Israel for the time being

On 8 August, the Israeli security cabinet approved a plan to capture the city of Gaza. The Federal Chancellor then made it clear in a statement that: "In the Federal Government's view, the even tougher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, which was decided last night by the Israeli Security Cabinet, makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals are to be achieved. Under these circumstances and until further notice, the Federal Government will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip."

Israeli attack on Doha

The Federal Chancellor has described the most recent attack by the Israeli army on the Hamas leadership in Qatar as unacceptable. It violated Qatar's sovereignty and territorial integrity. At a press conference with EU Council President Costa on 10 September, Merz emphasised the country's role as a mediator in this conflict. The Federal Chancellor also acknowledged this in his telephone conversation with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Hamas attack on Israel

Around 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and more than 200 hostages, including people with German citizenship, were taken. The human suffering on all sides is now immeasurable. The Federal Government is very concerned about the military offensive, which began again in March after two months of ceasefire. The number of civilian casualties is high.

In several telephone calls with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Federal Chancellor repeatedly called for all efforts to be made to achieve an immediate ceasefire. Hamas must finally release the hostages. Israel is being called upon to provide the suffering civilian population with fast, safe and sufficient humanitarian and medical aid.

The Federal Government stands firmly with Israel

Israel's right to exist and its security are and will remain a fundamental principle of Germany's state policy. Israel has the right to defend itself against barbaric attacks, to protect its citizens and to pursue the attackers. This self-defence must be exercised in accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law. The Palestinian civilian population is also suffering from the terror caused by Hamas.
During his inaugural visit to Spain, the Federal Chancellor once again made this clear: "We are on the side of Israel. This does not mean that we share and approve of every decision made by an Israeli government."

History of the Middle East conflict: one of the central disputes in the Middle East is the unresolved conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. After the end of the British Mandate over Palestine, Ben Gurion proclaimed the State of Israel on 14 May 1948. Since then, there have been repeated armed conflicts with neighbouring countries. These conflicts are also about the future of an independent state for Palestinians.

Sustainable post-war order required

The Federal Government is pressing for a viable post-war order to be found for Gaza, which meets Israeli security needs whilst taking account of the Palestinian right to self-determination. This political perspective for Gaza is necessary to turn a temporary ceasefire into lasting peace. Hamas must have no further role in the future of Gaza.

Two-state solution: the Federal Government remains convinced that only a negotiated two-state solution will bring lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians. It continues to view the recognition of a Palestinian state as one of the final steps on the way to achieving a two-state solution. The Federal Government continues to provide assistance for creating the conditions required for Palestinian statehood; this includes providing support for the Palestinian Authority.

• E-mail, Germany continues to stand by Israel - and is committed to de-escalation
• Facebook, Germany continues to stand by Israel - and is committed to de-escalation
• X, Germany continues to stand by Israel - and is committed to de-escalation