The parents of Itay Chen, a German-Israeli citizen held hostage in Gaza for the past 675 days, have appealed to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for increased German involvement in securing the release of all hostages.
In an open letter reported by Bild, the family expressed their confusion and concern regarding the German government’s recent decision to implement a partial arms embargo against Israel. They argued that this move appears counterproductive to the efforts aimed at liberating the seven German nationals currently held captive. Chen, a 19-year-old grandson of Holocaust survivors from Bad Reichenhall, was killed and abducted during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023. Israeli authorities estimate approximately 50 hostages remain in Gaza.
The parents contend that the German government has not sufficiently engaged in negotiations led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. They point to what they perceive as a lack of direct contribution to securing releases compared to the involvement of nations like France and Russia. They question why Germany has not joined US sanctions against supporters of the Hamas military wing, increased pressure on Qatar and Egypt, or held Turkey more accountable regarding its alleged role in facilitating financial support to Hamas.
Furthermore, the family expressed concern over what they see as insufficient public awareness surrounding the plight of German citizens impacted by the situation. They asked what steps the government is taking to raise public awareness that German nationals are victims of terrorism. The parents warn that a perceived lack of German resolve could signal to terrorist organizations worldwide that German citizens are vulnerable targets. They urge Merz, “as a politician, father and grandfather” to exert every effort to bring the hostages home.
The appeal comes after the Israeli government announced its intention to temporarily occupy Gaza, prompting the German government to suspend approvals for new arms exports to Israel on Friday.