Federal Foreign Office: 130 diplomats demand government change of course towards Israel
- Mirko Vorreuter, LL.B.
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Resistance is growing within the Federal Foreign Office against the German government's current stance on the war in Gaza. Around 130 diplomats , many of them young and active in the service, have formed a group under the motto "Loyal Nonconformist ." Their goal: a significantly more critical stance toward the Israeli government—particularly in light of the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.
Internal criticism of previous restraint
According to Der Spiegel, the group's members have publicly expressed their concerns about the escalation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the civilian population. A meeting with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) is already being planned. A spokesperson for the German Foreign Office confirmed the group's existence—a rather rare occurrence in the traditionally reserved diplomatic service.
The appeal is part of a growing debate within Germany about how to deal with Israel. Even within the German government—for example, within the SPD parliamentary group—there are increasing calls for a rethink. This is prompted, among other things, by an international appeal from 28 countries calling for an immediate end to hostilities. While countries like France, Canada, and Great Britain signed, Germany remained outside the appeal—a move that many find incomprehensible.
Former ambassadors criticize the federal government
Former German ambassadors to the Middle East also have strong words. In an open letter obtained by ZEIT, they state:
“We are appalled and unable to understand that the German government has not joined the international appeal for an immediate end to the war in Gaza.”
They call on the German government to sign the letter retroactively and to work more decisively for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. The letter emphasizes the importance of Germany's voice in the international dialogue—especially with regard to Israel's political leadership.
Humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip continues to escalate
The numbers are shocking: In recent weeks, over 1,000 people have reportedly been killed near food distribution sites alone. 111 international aid organizations—including Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and Oxfam—are warning of an impending mass famine . In a joint statement, they call for:
an immediate ceasefire
the opening of all border crossings
unhindered access for relief supplies under UN control
Despite international appeals, the supply situation remains precarious. And while aid organizations fight for the lives of millions of Palestinians, individual Israeli cabinet members are openly calling for the expulsion or relocation of the population from Gaza —a demand that clearly violates international law .
Conclusion from VISAGUARD
Growing pressure from the ranks of the Federal Foreign Office and the international community demonstrates that "business as usual" in German Israel policy is hardly sustainable any longer. For Germany, as a country with a special historical responsibility, a balanced approach between solidarity with Israel and respect for human rights in the Gaza Strip is not a contradiction—but a necessity.
