The German parliamentary group of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has defended the federal government’s decision not to endorse a joint statement from several nations calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip. Jürgen Hardt, spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group on foreign affairs, explained to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul refrained from signing the declaration due to concerns that it would exacerbate the perceived isolation of the Israeli government, a sentiment reportedly echoed in Jerusalem.
The decision followed earlier criticism from within the Social Democratic Party (SPD) parliamentary group, who urged the German government to align with European-level initiatives seeking an end to the conflict. SPD lawmakers Adis Ahmetović and Rolf Mützenich, in a statement reported by the FAZ, described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and representing a “humanitarian abyss” emphasizing the need for the German government to actively participate in efforts towards a resolution.
Hardt cautioned that such actions, signaling frustration over the ongoing loss of life in Gaza, could be perceived as a form of sanction and may not be productive given the current lack of engagement in Jerusalem. He underscored the Foreign Minister’s ongoing work to improve the dire conditions in Gaza and his efforts, since taking office, to secure the release of hostages.
Hardt emphasized the need for reliable United Nations aid access to Gaza, suggesting that this is crucial to garner support for a plan involving Egypt and Arab nations aimed at ending Hamas rule and securing the release of hostages. He posited that achieving this outcome would represent a victory for Israel and enhance regional security. Finally, Hardt voiced concerns that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must prevent what he described as “blinded extremists” within his cabinet from jeopardizing significant gains against Hezbollah and Iran through unrealistic and potentially destabilizing visions of settlement within Gaza.