As Israel intensifies its brutal military campaign in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis deepens, leading to devastating consequences for the Palestinian population. Recent reports indicate that in Gaza City alone, Israeli military operations have resulted in mass casualties and the displacement of countless individuals. The situation has grown dire, with famine affecting hundreds of thousands due to Israel’s systematic starvation policies and the ongoing denial of essential humanitarian aid. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, the toll of this assault has surpassed 65,000 Palestinian lives lost and left over 165,000 injured, while critical infrastructure—including homes, schools, and hospitals—has faced severe damage or outright destruction.
There is a growing consensus among international observers regarding the scale and severity of the atrocities committed during Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Despite this, the German government has limited its response to halting new export licenses for weapons that could be used in the conflict. Germany has insisted that bilateral diplomatic efforts, rather than decisive action from the European Union, are sufficient to persuade Israel to cease its violent campaign.
However, this approach has proven ineffective.
Germany has traditionally positioned itself as a champion of the international rules-based order, advocating for accountability in instances of atrocity crimes across the globe, including in Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. Yet, this reputation now hangs in the balance as the crisis in Gaza escalates.
Beyond moral imperatives, Germany is also bound by legal obligations. As a state party to the United Nations Genocide Convention, Germany is required to “employ all means reasonably available” to prevent genocide where possible. The urgency of this obligation cannot be overstated in light of the ongoing violence in Gaza.
Recently, the European Commission proposed a significant response: the suspension of the trade pillar of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, along with targeted sanctions on Israeli officials responsible for human rights abuses. However, these measures hinge on the approval of EU member states, with Germany’s vote being particularly critical. As the largest EU member, Germany’s opposition—coupled with dissent from Italy, Hungary, and the Czech Republic—could create a “blocking minority,” thwarting any collective EU action even if a majority favors it.
The proposal for trade suspension follows unsuccessful attempts at dialogue involving Germany and all EU foreign ministers, none of which have succeeded in curtailing Israel’s ongoing military campaign. If enacted, this suspension would not completely sever EU-Israel trade but would eliminate preferential tariffs until Israel adheres to its obligations under international law.
The German government now faces a crucial decision: it can either uphold international law and align itself with the majority of its EU partners or continue to obstruct necessary EU actions. The latter path risks further isolation and reputational damage for Germany, and more critically, it raises the issue of complicity in the ongoing atrocities occurring in Gaza, especially if significant assistance continues to flow to Israel amid its military operations.
The time for decisive action is now. Germany must step up, not only in defense of international law but also in solidarity with the Palestinian people facing unimaginable suffering. The world is watching, and history will judge the choices made in this pivotal moment.
