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Middle East conflict Germany stands by Israel - and is seeking to bring about a de-escalation

Germany - Federal Government

The Federal Government views the renewed escalation in the Gaza Strip with great concern. A ceasefire must be swiftly reinstated and strictly enforced. Hamas is urged to release all hostages. The goal must be to end the war.

Monday, 7 April 2025

Hamas launched an attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, firing thousands of missiles. Some 1,200 people were killed, and more than 200 hostages were taken, including individuals with German citizenship. "On the morning of 7 October, Israel woke up to a nightmare." This is how Federal Chancellor Scholz described the callous attack by the terrorist organisation Hamas on Israel. The suffering of the population on all sides is immeasurable, and the number of civilian casualties enormous, especially in the Gaza Strip.

Hope for ceasefire after agreement

Ever since the Hamas attack on Israel the Federal Government has persistently campaigned for a ceasefire. Federal Chancellor Scholz welcomed the agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, among them German nationals. "The agreement must now be implemented consistently on a step-by-step basis: ultimately, all hostages have to be released," demanded the Federal Chancellor.

The longer the war lasted, the more obvious it became that while Israel had achieved many of its military goals in its fight against Hamas, the number of civilian victims and the suffering in the Gaza Strip are immense. 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[HS1] . The Federal Government stands ready to provide further support.

Talks must now be held swiftly to secure the second phase of the ceasefire. A renewed escalation after the hard-won truce must be avoided at all costs. The goal must be a lasting end to the war. For this reason, Scholz emphasised: "Hamas is called upon to lay down their weapons once and for all. The Hamas terror must stop."

The Federal Government's thoughts remain with the hostages still in captivity and their families. Following the death of a German-Israeli mother and her sons, the Federal Chancellor stated on X: "Hamas has inflicted suffering and death on countless families. My thoughts are with all those who now have to come to terms with this terrible certainty."

Urgent humanitarian aid is needed for Gaza

The longer the war lasted, the more obvious it became that while Israel had achieved many of its military goals in its fight against Hamas, the number of civilian victims and the suffering in the Gaza Strip are immense. The people of Gaza urgently need humanitarian and medical aid - delivered consistently and reliably. The Federal Government stands ready to provide further support.

The situation in Gaza is growing worse with each passing day that aid fails to reach the region. Federal Chancellor Scholz emphasised this point at a joint press conference with Jordan's King Abdullah II: "This cannot and must not be allowed to continue," he said, adding that far too many people were suffering from hunger, from the ongoing brutal violence, and from the lack of medical care across the region.

Foreign Minister Baerbock: "We must not let this opportunity pass us by"

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock likewise welcomed the agreement on a ceasefire: "The ceasefire has the potential to be a first step towards a genuine political process" and "we must not let this opportunity pass us by". A negotiated two-state solution remained the only solution that would allow Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, security and dignity, said the Minister.

Support for the ceasefire in Lebanon

The Federal Government also continues to view with great concern the escalation of the Middle East conflict in Lebanon, in which numerous innocent civilians have been injured or killed. The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah of November 2024 also offers hope, and this must now be implemented further: "It is crucial for everyone to stick to what has been agreed on so that those on both sides of the border can live in safety again," said the Federal Chancellor.

Foreign Minister Baerbock reaffirmed Germany's support for the Lebanese army and the people of Lebanon. The Lebanese army is now tasked with taking full control of the area south of the Litani River and ensuring stabilisation on the border with Israel.

The Federal Government stands firmly with Israel

In his government statement issued on 12 October 2023, the Federal Chancellor stated clearly: At this moment there is only one place for Germany: alongside Israel." Germany's history and the responsibility arising from the Holocaust made it Germany's perpetual duty to stand up for the existence and security of Israel, said Scholz. The Federal Government is acting in accordance with this principle. On the same day, the Bundestag expressed its cross-party solidarity with Israel.