International Pressure on Israel Amid Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Increasing Criticism from Germany
International pressure on Israel is escalating due to the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza, with sharp criticism also emerging from Germany-start of Israel’s staunchest allies in Europe. Members of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s center-right coalition, are calling for an arms embargo against Israel. Merz has stated he plans to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week, urging him to refrain from further escalation in Gaza. “The current intensity of attacks in the region cannot be justified in the struggle against Hamas,” Merz remarked.
Humanitarian Costs of Israeli Strikes
In a televised interview with WDR, Merz emphasized that Israeli airstrikes “are exacting a humanitarian toll on Gazan citizens.” He asserted that the scale of civilian casualties witnessed recently cannot be justified under the banner of fighting Hamas. However, he noted that Germany would maintain a more reserved approach in its criticism of Israel compared to other European nations, due to “historical reasons.”
Calls for Accountability from German Lawmakers
Adis Ahmetovic, the SPD’s foreign affairs spokesperson in parliament, stated in an interview with Stern that “German weapons should not contribute to humanitarian disasters or be used to violate international law.” He called for Netanyahu’s government to prepare for a ceasefire and return to the negotiating table. Similarly, party member Ralf Stegner declared that the humanitarian catastrophe affecting the Palestinian population must cease immediately, emphasizing that the supply of German arms cannot continue under the current circumstances.
Isabel Cademartori, another parliament member, warned that Germany could be complicit in war crimes if it continues to supply arms to Israel. “This could lead to Germany facing legal accountability in international courts,” she stated in her interview with Stern. Cademartori urged the German government to restrict arms shipments, particularly regarding tank shells and spare parts.
Decline in Arms Exports to Israel
According to Welt, there has been a notable decline in Germany’s authorization of arms exports to Israel in recent months. In the first quarter of the year, arms export approvals worldwide amounted to €1.18 billion, with approvals to Israel comprising only €28 million, positioning Israel as the 10th largest recipient of German military exports.
Rolf Muetzenich, another SPD member, stressed the need for a much stronger condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. “I would like to see the German government join the condemnation issued by many European governments,” he emphasized.
European Union’s Shift in Policy
The recent political shift in Europe against the Israeli government became evident last week within the European Union, where 17 out of 27 member states supported a “review” of the association agreement with Israel. This agreement underpins various trade and research agreements between the two entities. European Union foreign minister Kaia Kalas convened an assembly of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, announcing the decision to initiate a review process after considering their opinions.
While EU diplomats suggest that a final decision to suspend or terminate agreements is unlikely, as unanimous consent from all 27 member states is required, there is potential for a relative majority to freeze certain aspects of the agreements. Such action could result in significant diplomatic, economic, and commercial repercussions for Israel.
The increasing scrutiny from both German lawmakers and the broader EU signals a growing frustration over the humanitarian impacts of military operations in Gaza, highlighting the complexities surrounding Israel’s defense policies and international relations