Germany Under Criticism for Support of Israel Amid Gaza Crisis
Germany has faced criticism for its support of Israel during the ongoing Gaza crisis, overshadowing a regular United Nations review of the country’s human rights record. While Germany received broad praise for its robust human rights record, mainly Muslim countries expressed dissatisfaction with its stance on Israel and its bans on pro-Palestinian protests.
Ahmed Moharam, Egypt’s representative, expressed deep regret over Germany’s unfavourable positions on the rights of the Palestinian people. Similarly, Jordan’s representative criticized Germany’s unbalanced positions. Turkey called on Germany to stop providing military material or equipment to Israel, which could potentially be used in war crimes and crimes against humanity.
During the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a UN process that evaluates the human rights records of all member countries every four years, Germany reiterated its belief in Israel’s right to defend itself. Luise Amtsberg, the commissioner for human rights policy and humanitarian assistance, emphasized that Israel’s security and right to exist are non-negotiable for Germany.
Interestingly, the review coincided with the 85th anniversary of the Nazi Kristallnacht pogrom, a disturbing prelude to the Nazi regime’s genocidal campaign against six million European Jews during World War II. Amtsberg underscored Germany’s unwavering commitment to protecting Jewish life and its determination to prevent a recurrence of such atrocities.
Furthermore, Amtsberg expressed concern about the rise in anti-Semitic acts over the past month and acknowledged that Jews in Germany no longer feel safe. She reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to combating antisemitism while still acknowledging the concerns of the civilian population in Gaza and the Palestinian territories. Amtsberg stressed the necessity of addressing both issues.
Germany’s support for Israel has drawn criticism during this review process, raising questions about the country’s stance on the Israeli atrocities in Gaza. However, Germany remains firm in its position, emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense while delivering a resolute commitment to protecting Jewish life and fighting anti-Semitism within its own borders. The ongoing Gaza crisis continues to cast a shadow over global discussions regarding human rights and political alliances.
