Germany’s Foreign Policy Under Scrutiny Amid Israel-Gaza Conflict

German foreign policy is facing intense criticism as officials stand firmly behind Israel in its military operations in Gaza and beyond. Recent controversies involving high-ranking German politicians have raised questions about the country’s diplomatic integrity and its unconditional support for Israeli actions.

In recent months, Germany’s approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict has come under increasing scrutiny from international observers and human rights organizations. Critics argue that Germany’s unwavering backing of Israel, even amid widespread civilian casualties in Gaza, represents a significant departure from the country’s traditional commitment to human rights and international law.

The controversy intensified last week when German Foreign Minister Johann Wadepuhl joined his French counterpart in calling for the resignation of Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories. Their demand followed allegations that Albanese had made anti-Semitic remarks at the Al Jazeera Forum in Qatar.

According to French politician Caroline Yadan, Albanese had referred to Israel as “the common enemy of humanity.” However, transcripts from the event reveal Albanese actually stated: “We who do not control large amounts of financial capitals, algorithms and weapons. We now see that we as humanity have a common enemy.”

Critics say Wadepuhl failed to verify the accuracy of these claims before publicly condemning Albanese, raising concerns about due diligence in German diplomatic channels. The incident has been characterized by some as part of a pattern of hasty accusations of anti-Semitism directed at critics of Israeli policy.

This controversy follows earlier statements by former German officials that have since been called into question. Last summer, both former Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and former Chancellor Olaf Scholz claimed to have viewed video evidence of Hamas fighters committing sexual assaults during the October 7, 2023 attacks. No such video has ever been publicly produced or verified by independent sources.

Further fueling criticism was Bundestag President Julia Klöckner’s recent visit to Israel from February 10-12. During her trip, Klöckner appeared on German public television ARD, reporting from near the Gaza border. Her statements largely echoed Israeli military narratives, including claims about extensive tunnel systems beneath Gaza and assertions about Hamas preventing aid distribution.

“What you also recognise, of course, is an incredible underground tunnel system, which is like a second Gaza,” Klöckner stated during her broadcast, though she provided no visual evidence to support these claims.

Klöckner also suggested that areas of Gaza remained undamaged because Israeli hostages had been held there, and claimed that since establishing a military perimeter (referred to as the “Yellow Line”), fighting had ceased and aid deliveries had increased. These statements contradict reports from international humanitarian organizations that continue to document severe restrictions on aid entering Gaza.

The United Nations and multiple human rights organizations have repeatedly warned of catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with severe shortages of food, medicine, clean water, and shelter. The UN has estimated that over 75% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed in the conflict.

Germany’s stance has particular historical significance given the country’s post-WWII commitment to supporting Israel’s security. However, critics argue that this commitment should not preclude criticism of actions that may violate international humanitarian law.

The controversy highlights broader tensions within European foreign policy regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Germany typically taking one of the most pro-Israel positions among EU member states. This position has increasingly put Germany at odds with international organizations like the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, which have expressed grave concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

As the conflict continues, Germany faces mounting pressure to balance its historical responsibility toward Israel with its obligations to uphold international law and human rights principles.