Aid or slogans? Germany faces criticism over air relief to Gaza
The European Union is trying to send a symbolic message to Israel due to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but Germany is obstructing these efforts. Berlin, along with Italy and several other countries, has rejected a proposal from the European Commission to partially suspend Israel's participation in the Horizon Europe research program, which is funded by Brussels with billions of euros.
The German procrastination has sparked sharp internal criticism. Franziska Brantner, the leader of the Green Party, called on the German government to take a tougher stance towards Israel. She urged Chancellor Friedrich Merz (from the Christian Democratic Union) to stop obstructing joint European efforts and to consider suspending parts of the partnership agreement between the European Union and Israel. Brantner also criticized Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (from the Christian Democratic Union) for not attending the United Nations conference in New York on the two-state solution.
International pressure on Israel is increasing. U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the humanitarian situation in Gaza after meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland. He said, "Whether you call it starvation or not, these are children who are starving." He added, "Anyone who is not cold-hearted or insane can only say that this scene is horrific. The food they need will be delivered to them."
Germany has launched a special relief operation, sending two military aircraft to Jordan to drop humanitarian aid by air to Gaza, according to Chancellor Merz. However, this operation has faced severe criticism.
Gerda Hasselfeldt, president of the German Red Cross, warned that the air bridge should be a last resort and is an ineffective means of delivering aid. She pointed out that hundreds of trucks loaded with supplies are already waiting at the Gaza border and can distribute aid more safely overland. She also warned that air drops in populated areas could lead to injuries, and it is unlikely that aid will reach those in dire need, such as the injured and children.
Adis Ahmadovic, the foreign policy spokesman for the parliamentary group of the Social Democratic Party, criticized the air relief plan and instead called for Germany to evacuate the wounded from Gaza for medical treatment.