Members of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) are urging further action from the German government regarding the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Gaza. Adis Ahmetovic, the SPD’s foreign policy spokesperson, stated the party welcomes the Chancellor’s announcement of a halt to arms deliveries, but emphasizes this should be considered a first step.
Ahmetovic called for additional measures, including the potential suspension – either full or partial – of the EU Association Agreement with Israel and the medical evacuation of severely injured children. He also suggested that sanctions against Israeli ministers should not be off the table.
The SPD representative strongly criticized the recent decisions made by the Israeli government to broaden the scope of the conflict, asserting it inevitably leads to further displacement and the starvation of the Palestinian population. He noted that even former hostages, families and a majority within Israel are calling for an immediate end to hostilities.
Ahmetovic argued the original war aims following the October 7th attacks are no longer the primary focus of the Israeli government. He emphasized that each additional day of conflict results in increased hunger, fatalities among children and women and a heightened risk for the hostages, whose immediate release the SPD continues to demand. The party pledged it’s support for further measures, assuring the Chancellor of their backing as a coalition partner.
Norbert Röttgen, a foreign policy representative from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), also welcomed the German government’s decision to halt arms deliveries to Israel intended for use in the Gaza conflict. He described the response to the Israeli security cabinet’s decision as “correct and unfortunately unavoidable” given recent developments.
Röttgen stated it is no longer clearly discernible what objectives Israel is pursuing with the renewed expansion of its offensive, while simultaneously acknowledging the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. He highlighted Israel’s responsibility, as an occupying power, to ensure the humanitarian provision for the population – a responsibility he contends the Israeli government is failing to adequately fulfill.
