A leading figure within Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has urged the federal government to align itself with a joint appeal from 28 nations calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza and an increase in humanitarian aid. Matthias Miersch, parliamentary group leader for the SPD, stated that joining this initiative would ensure consistency in Germany’s adherence to international law.
Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Miersch emphasized the importance of Germany supporting the call, originally spearheaded by the United Kingdom and avoiding a divergence from international consensus.
Acknowledging Germany’s particular responsibility regarding the security and existence of Israel, Miersch stressed that this responsibility is inextricably linked to upholding international law and safeguarding Palestinian civilian populations. He argued that this obligation necessitates advocating for adherence to humanitarian law, even during complex and challenging times, maintaining a consistent approach to conflict resolution globally.
The humanitarian suffering in Gaza, he described, is deeply concerning, citing the plight of starving children, the destruction of infrastructure and attacks on those seeking aid as stark contradictions of the principles enshrined in international humanitarian law.
Miersch reiterated the fundamental principle that civilians should never be targets in military operations. He concluded that systematic violations of international law must have repercussions and that a lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a political solution, built on negotiations culminating in a two-state solution, rather than displacement and violence. This position resonates with a recent statement released by fellow SPD foreign policy representatives Adis Ahmetovic and Rolf Mützenich.
