Germany stands by Israel - and is seeking to bring about a de-escalation
Germany - Federal Government
Middle East conflict
Hamas launched an attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, firing thousands of missiles. The Federal Government's position is clear: It condemns Hamas' brutal terrorist attack on Israel in the strongest possible terms and supports Israel in ensuring its own security. Nevertheless, humanitarian aid must reach the people in Gaza.
Friday, 25 July 2025
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. The Federal Government is very concerned about the new military offensive.
In his most recent policy statement , which was issued on 24 June in the German Bundestag, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the time had now come to conclude a ceasefire for Gaza. "We are not losing sight of the big picture: we are taking the liberty of questioning critically what goal Israel wants to achieve and how the more dignified treatment of the people can be accomplished", said the Chancellor.
The Federal Government and many other countries recognised, he said, that aid deliveries had finally resumed to a limited extent, but it was also necessary to make it possible for the United Nations and humanitarian organisations to carry out their work independently and impartially. Aid deliveries needed to be resumed immediately and in full according to a joint donor statement on humanitarian aid to Gaza , signed by countries including Germany. The Federal Chancellor emphasised this demand once again in his telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 18 July. He stressed that aid had to reach the people in the Gaza Strip in a safe and humane manner.
For the Federal Government, achieving progress in this regard is of the utmost importance. Israel must immediately and drastically improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Conflict over Iran's nuclear weapons programme: Following the attacks by the USA on Iranian nuclear facilities, US President Donald Trump has called on Iran and Israel to agree to a ceasefire. In his policy statement, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on both sides to heed this call.
Further information: Israel has a right to exist
In constant dialogue
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. In a telephone conversation with Netanyahu, the Federal Chancellor expressed his hope that an agreement might be reached soon. Hamas must release the hostages. Merz spoke in favour of finding a viable post-war order for Gaza that takes into account Israeli security needs and the Palestinian right to self-determination. For the Federal Government, this political perspective for Gaza is necessary so that a temporary ceasefire can become lasting peace. There must be no further steps towards annexing the West Bank.
Following a meeting with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar at the beginning of June, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also made it clear that Hamas needed to release hostages and lay down its arms - "immediately and unconditionally". In the long term, he said, the fight against Hamas cannot be won by military means alone. The Foreign Minister demanded an end to the war in Gaza. In this context, Wadephul reiterated his urgent request to allow humanitarian aid for Gaza in accordance with the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence - and without restrictions.
The goal remains lasting and sustainable peace, on the condition of a negotiated two-state solution. The German Foreign Minister emphasised that this was the only realistic prospect that would allow Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in security and dignity in the future, and the only chance for lasting peace in the region.
The Federal Government is in constant dialogue with the government of Israel and international partners regarding the most urgent issues. It is prepared to increase the pressure if no progress is made.
In June, Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt travelled to Israel for talks. After a meeting with relatives of hostages who are still being held by Hamas, he said: "It's hard to put the suffering these families are going through into words". He also called for the immediate release of the hostages and emphasised that the German partnership with Israel was more than just a political commitment. Instead, it was a realised responsibility.
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.
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