The German government rejected the criticism raised by this year’s Peace Prize winner of the German Book Trade, Philippe Sands. According to an official from the Federal Foreign Office speaking to the dts Nachrichtenagentur on Monday, the bureau emphasizes the importance of diverse opinions in public debates, but noted that they do not automatically accept all criticism. However, the spokesperson confirmed that they have “taken note” of the Peace Prize winner’s critique.
Sands, the son of a Holocaust survivor, had stated during the German Book Trade Peace Prize ceremony at the Paulskirche in Frankfurt on Sunday that Germany’s silence regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza was “indecent.” He insisted that violations of international law must be clearly named, adding that this stance was neither antisemitic nor “anti-Israel.” The official reiterated that Germany has already repeatedly articulated its position regarding Israel.
