Merz Calls for Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas

“The conflict with Iran must not plunge the entire region into war,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told parliamentarians on Tuesday, welcoming a ceasefire proposal between the two parties. He added that “the moment has come” for a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian terror group Hamas.

We take the liberty of asking critically what goal Israel wants to achieve in the Gaza Strip. And we urge that the people in the Gaza Strip be treated humanely, especially women, children and the elderly.
—Friedrich Merz

German opposition: Germany has been critical of Israel’s war against Hamas terrorists, accusing Israel of not doing enough to protect civilians.

In May, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned the Israeli government that Germany’s support for its security should “not be exploited for the conflict, for the fighting that is currently taking place in the Gaza Strip.”

Forced solidarity? Following the Holocaust and the murder of 6 million Jews, many Germans felt obligated to support Israel’s fight for survival. Wadephul, however, says forced solidarity does not exist and German support for Israel is conditional.

Despite all the difficulties that exist there, we as the German federal government will not allow ourselves to be pressured politically and put in a position where we are forced into solidarity. That will not be possible in this form.
—Johann Wadephul

Breaking relations: On the global stage, Germany stands as one of Israel’s few remaining allies. Yet numerous signs suggest this relationship is not about Germany maintaining a genuine friendship but rather upholding the image of having reckoned with its past.

The Bible prophesies this deceitful relationship will lead to a colossal betrayal in the near future. To learn more, read “The Jewish State’s Deadly Wound.”