The co-leader of Germany’s Left Party, Jan van Aken, has called on Chancellor Friedrich Merz to halt the EU’s Association Agreement with Israel, citing escalating violence and alleged breaches of international law. Van Aken stated that the German government cannot remain passive while what he describes as increasingly serious violations of international law and war crimes are committed.
The recent announcement by the Israeli government regarding the planned entry into Gaza City was characterized by van Aken as a further escalation of the conflict, with potentially devastating consequences for civilians in Gaza and for those held hostage by Hamas. He emphasized the need for decisive steps towards peace, noting apparent public sentiment within Israel, with reports suggesting over 80% of the population desires an end to the conflict and ongoing demonstrations throughout the country.
Van Aken argues that, given this renewed escalation, halting the EU-Israel Association Agreement would exert meaningful pressure on the Israeli government. He contends that maintaining economic privileges for a country allegedly committing war crimes and crimes against humanity is unacceptable.
The Left Party leader criticized Merz’s previous opposition to suspending the agreement, stating that any commitment to global peace requires concrete action, not just rhetoric. Van Aken called for an end to economic privileges for the Israeli government, framing the move as a necessary step to compel a shift towards de-escalation and a peaceful resolution.