Following an escalation of hostilities in Gaza City, a prominent German politician has called for the German government to endorse further sanctions against Israel. Adis Ahmetovic, spokesperson for foreign policy for the Social Democratic Party (SPD) parliamentary group, voiced his concerns in an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland.
Ahmetovic described the expansion of the conflict by the Israeli military into Gaza City as unacceptable. He argued that, given the continued disregard for international law by the Israeli government, stronger measures are now necessary. He specifically referenced proposals for sanctions made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which he urged the German government to cease blocking. These proposals include targeted sanctions against extremist Israeli ministers and violent settlers, as well as a suspension of trade agreements.
Ahmetovic cautioned against the potentially devastating consequences of the attacks on Gaza City, stating that they risk increasing civilian casualties, dramatically worsening the humanitarian situation for Palestinians and hindering the prospects for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
He further suggested that the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears disinclined towards a resolution of the conflict, citing Israel’s recent missile attack on Qatar, a nation actively involved in mediating the crisis. Ahmetovic concluded that Israel is progressively alienating itself, both within the Middle East and internationally, due to its actions contrary to international law.