The leader of the Left Party in Germany, Jan van Aken, has called on Chancellor Friedrich Merz to halt the EU Association Agreement with Israel. Van Aken stated that the German government cannot stand by while the Israeli government allegedly increasingly violates international law and commits war crimes.
The recent announcement by the Israeli government regarding the planned entry into Gaza City represents a further escalation of the conflict and will have devastating consequences for the population of Gaza and for those held hostage by Hamas, van Aken asserted. He emphasized the necessity for concrete steps toward peace, citing widespread public opinion within Israel – with over 80% reportedly wanting an end to the conflict, demonstrated by ongoing protests throughout the country.
Van Aken urged immediate action from Chancellor Merz, specifically demanding a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. He argued that a country allegedly committing war crimes and crimes against humanity should not be treated as a privileged partner.
The Left Party leader believes stopping the agreement would exert pressure on the Israeli government. He challenged Merz to back his stated commitment to global peace with demonstrable action, dismissing such pronouncements as empty rhetoric without concrete steps. Merz previously voted against suspending the EU Association Agreement in late June. Van Aken concluded by stating that his party advocates for the removal of economic privileges for the Israeli government.
