Within Germany’s parliamentary circles, a prominent voice is advocating for a more assertive German response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Adis Ahmetovic, the SPD’s (Social Democratic Party) foreign policy spokesperson, has publicly urged the federal government to escalate its actions, arguing that current measures are insufficient.
A key area of focus is the provision of humanitarian assistance and the safe evacuation of vulnerable individuals. Ahmetovic specifically highlighted the necessity of medical evacuations, citing the urgent need to transport critically injured children. He criticized the current level of German involvement in such operations, stating it is currently near zero. He suggested collaboration with countries like France and the United Kingdom, which are reportedly considering similar initiatives and pointed to Spain’s actions from a year prior as a potentially useful model.
The SPD politician also expressed concerns regarding Germany’s broader relationship with Israel. He argued there is a compelling case for suspending certain forms of cooperation, including the existing association agreement and insisted that German weaponry must not be utilized in actions deemed unlawful under international law.
While the government recently approved participation in an air bridge to deliver aid, Ahmetovic characterized this action as inadequate. He pointed to practical challenges relating to both technological feasibility and political considerations, emphasizing the limited scale of the deliveries and potential difficulties in ensuring the aid reaches those in need. Beyond logistical worries, he raised concerns that such efforts could inadvertently shift responsibility for the worsening humanitarian situation away from the governing parties within the conflict zone, potentially impacting adherence to international humanitarian law by all actors involved.
