Germany Considers Sanctions on Israel Amid Gaza Crisis
Senior lawmaker urges stronger action as international pressure mounts
A prominent figure within German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition has called for significant diplomatic pressure on Israel, including potential sanctions. The proposal signals a hardening stance from Berlin regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Lawmaker’s Call for Consequences
Siemtje Moeller, the deputy leader of the Social Democrats (SPD) parliamentary group, voiced her assessment in a letter to fellow party members. She believes that tangible improvements are unlikely without external pressure.
“My assessment is that the Israeli government will move little without pressure. If such concrete improvements fail to materialize in the near future, there must be consequences.”
—Siemtje Moeller, Deputy Leader of the SPD Parliamentary Faction
Moeller, who recently visited Israel, also stated that recognizing a Palestinian state should not be considered a taboo subject. She expressed skepticism regarding Israeli claims that aid access to Gaza is unimpeded.
Hostage Release and Gaza’s Future
Concurrently, Moeller demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas. She emphasized that Hamas must be disarmed and removed from any future political landscape in Gaza, stating, its reign of terror must end.
International Momentum for Palestinian Statehood
Western nations are increasing their efforts to influence Israel’s actions. Britain, Canada, and France have indicated their willingness to recognize a Palestinian state in territories occupied by Israel at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. Israel, however, has criticized these nations, arguing their stance effectively rewards Hamas.
International criticism of Germany’s approach suggests it remains overly cautious, possibly influenced by historical responsibilities and strong pro-Israel sentiment in some media sectors. This cautiousness, critics contend, might be limiting the West’s collective capacity to apply meaningful pressure on Israel.
The Gaza War’s Toll
The conflict originated with Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which Israeli figures state resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. In response, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have led to more than 60,000 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza health authorities. Reports highlight a growing number of civilian deaths due to starvation and malnutrition, with images of emaciated children drawing global condemnation and intensifying scrutiny over Israel’s restrictions on aid entering the territory.
Israel attributes the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to Hamas. However, in response to international outcry, Israel announced measures to increase aid, including temporary pauses in fighting in certain areas, approval of air drops, and the establishment of protected routes for aid convoys.
As of August 2024, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that a significant portion of Gaza’s population remains dependent on humanitarian assistance for survival, underscoring the dire ongoing humanitarian situation. OCHA, August 2024
