A burgeoning initiative by German cities to receive traumatized children from both Israel and the Gaza Strip is generating internal division within the current German coalition government. The development, reported by “Welt” highlights diverging approaches to humanitarian aid and immigration policy.
The impetus for the debate originated with Hannover’s mayor, Belit Onay (Green Party), who formally requested federal governmental support for streamlined entry procedures, child selection and coordinated medical care. The response from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group has been cautiously reserved. Günter Krings (CDU), a parliamentary group vice chair, stated to “Welt” that existing legal frameworks already permit the acceptance of individuals requiring medical treatment in Germany. He further suggested that the focus should be on supporting Arabic-speaking nations in the Middle East and North Africa in accepting these children, rather than relocating them to Europe.
Conversely, the SPD, the coalition partner, has expressed greater support for the cities’ initiative. SPD foreign policy spokesperson Adis Ahmetovic welcomed the involvement of numerous cities, noting that the Foreign Ministry – responsible for medical evacuations – must now initiate appropriate steps and the Interior Ministry should organize a centralized distribution system.
The AfD has strongly rejected the request from Hannover. Markus Frohnmaier, the AfD’s deputy parliamentary group leader, argued that Germany is already at its capacity, citing limitations in personnel, finances and societal resources. He advocated for deportation measures and called upon Arabic and Islamic states to fulfill their humanitarian responsibilities, adding that Israel should also contribute to solutions.
Marcel Emmerich, the Green Party’s interior policy representative, conversely voiced his support for the appeal to federal assistance. He emphasized that cities were stepping in where urgent aid was critical, urging the federal government to take further action in concert with other European nations. Addressing concerns about local support, he stated it was vital that the federal government not abandon the cities, but actively facilitate the children’s successful integration into German society.
The Left party has proposed an even broader scope of action. Clara Bünger, deputy parliamentary group leader, acknowledged the value of individual cities accepting children, but questioned the exclusion of parents and siblings. She insisted on the need for measures beyond symbolic gestures, calling for an immediate cessation of violence and demanding that Israel halt its attacks. Bünger further requested the federal government establish legal frameworks to support the children’s integration within the cities.
