October 7th massacre
Scholz: “We will never accept blind hatred of Israel”
The Chancellor promises the Jews in Germany “the full solidarity of our state – and the solidarity of all decent people in this country” (archive photo). photo
© Michael Kappeler/dpa
The Chancellor expresses his understanding for people in Germany who are making their concern about the conflict in the Middle East clear. But at the same time he emphasizes clear boundaries.
But it should never be the case that citizens of the Jewish faith in Germany have to live in fear and terror, that Jews can no longer dare to leave the house with a yarmulke or that they no longer prefer to say that they are Jewish at universities. “We will never accept anti-Semitism and blind hatred of Israel. The Jews here in Germany deserve the full solidarity of our state – and the solidarity of all decent people in this country,” said Scholz.
The Chancellor once again called for a ceasefire in the Middle East so that the civilian population in the Gaza Strip could be better protected and cared for and the Israeli hostages could be released. It has not become easier in recent days to prevent the conflict from escalating further. The danger of a major conflict in the entire region remains unchanged. That’s why we’re working with international partners to ensure that no wildfire breaks out.
“Yes, unfortunately it is the case: on this first anniversary of Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel, peace or even reconciliation in the Middle East seems more distant than ever. But we know one thing: there is a credible path to a negotiated one for a sustainable pacification of the conflict “A two-state solution is essential,” said Scholz. Germany will leave no stone unturned to contribute to this.
A year ago on October 7, 2023, terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups killed more than 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped around 250 others as hostages in the Gaza Strip. This was the trigger for the Gaza war, in which, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority, around 42,000 Palestinians have been killed so far, around a third of them children and young people.
Clashes between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon have escalated in recent weeks. There are fears that the entire region could become involved in a serious war.