Some 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel and more than 200 hostages were taken, including individuals with German citizenship. The suffering of the population on all sides is now immeasurable, and the number of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip is also high. 

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated: "The Israeli government and the Israeli army have a legitimate interest in suppressing Hamas terrorism, but they also have a humanitarian obligation to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip." He very much hopes that the Israeli government is aware of this obligation. Aid supplies must reach the civilians in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government shares responsibility for ensuring this, the Chancellor said at a press conference  with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

Foreign Minister travels to Israel 

A ceasefire, which Germany has been campaigning for since the Hamas attack on Israel, led to the release of hostages, including Germans, as a first step. Following the renewed escalation in the Gaza Strip, there must be a return to the ceasefire. Hamas must release the hostages. 

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also made this clear during his inaugural visit to Israel. There he met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as relatives of hostages abducted by Hamas, and travelled to Palestinian territory. "We condemn Hamas' brutal terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 in the strongest possible terms, and support Israel in ensuring its security. It is Israel's right to defend itself against this terror," Wadephul stated before travelling to Israel .

Therefore, serious negotiations on a ceasefire are needed, with the aim of releasing all hostages and providing supplies to the civilians in Gaza. According to the Foreign Minister, the humanitarian situation there has now become unbearable.

The goal remains lasting and sustainable peace, on the condition of a negotiated two-state solution. Back in March, the European Council  emphasised that all parties are called upon to refrain from actions that undermine its sustained viability.

The Federal Government stands firmly with Israel

Israel's right to exist and its security are and will remain part of Germany's fundamental position. Israel has the right to defend itself against barbaric attacks, to protect its citizens and to pursue the attackers. The Palestinian civilian population is also suffering from Hamas' terror. This self-defence must be exercised in accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law.

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.

Ceasefire in Lebanon

The escalation of the Middle East conflict in Lebanon has also resulted in numerous innocent civilians being injured or killed. Israel and Hezbollah concluded a ceasefire in November 2024. This ceasefire now needs to be further stabilised. All parties are called upon to exercise maximum restraint.

What the Federal Goverment is doing on the diplomatic front

Since the attack on Israel by the terrorist organisation Hamas, the Federal Government has been working hard to ensure that the situation does not escalate into a crisis that affects the entire Middle East. The Federal Government is holding numerous talks aimed at defusing the situation and working to secure the release of all hostages taken by Hamas, as well as to ensure that more humanitarian aid reaches the Gaza Strip.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier  has also visited the region to gain an impression of the situation and hold talks.

Increasingly, the key issue here is to find a long-term perspective for Gaza, since terrorism cannot be countered by military means alone. If a lasting ceasefire can be achieved, questions related to matters such as administration and reconstruction will be addressed in the third phase. The Federal Government welcomes initiatives for rebuilding the Gaza Strip, and is convinced that a negotiated two-state solution is the only way to bring about a sustainable resolution of the Middle East conflict. This must apply to Gaza and the West Bank, and a central role must be assigned to a reformed Palestinian Authority.

Two-state solution: Germany firmly believes that only a negotiated two-state solution  that is acceptable to both sides can lead to lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Negotiations will be pivotal in terms of bringing about an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state – side by side in peace and security with Israel.

What the Federal Goverment is doing on the humanitarian front

One thing is clear: fighting Hamas is a legitimate goal. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is catastrophic. Even after the first phase of the ceasefire comes to an end, it is essential to ensure that the residents of the Gaza Strip continue to receive reliable humanitarian and medical aid. 

Germany has also helped by providing aid supplies by air and sea, such as by means of special flights with relief supplies for the civilian population of Gaza and deliveries by ship from Cyprus to the Gaza Strip. Food was also delivered by means of air drops. 

The German government ist making the scope of future support for the UN relief organization UNRWA contingent upon comprehensive reforms.