German public figures urge government to halt arms supply to Israel

In Germany, numerous individuals from academia, the cultural sector, and civil society have called on government officials in an open letter to stop the supply of weapons to Israel, ensure unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza, and make stronger efforts toward achieving a ceasefire. According to a report by Der Spiegel, the open letter was initiated by Said Etris Hashemi, a victim of the 2020 racist attack in the city of Hanau. It was signed by many prominent figures, including climate activist Luisa Neubauer, sociologist Harald Welzer, musician Michael Barenboim, and actors Axel Prahl and Enissa Amani. The signatories called for stronger efforts toward a ceasefire in Gaza, comprehensive humanitarian aid for the civilian population in the region, and a reassessment—and suspension—of the German government's arms supply to Israel. The letter emphasized concern over the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza and accused Germany of failing to fulfill its obligation under international law to prevent war crimes. 'The responsibility for having failed to act despite serious warnings is a heavy one,' the letter stated. It urged the German government to take a clear stance against Israel's disproportionate military tactics, which many international law experts consider problematic, and called on independent organizations such as the United Nations (UN) to be allowed to deliver unhindered humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. The letter also called for Germany's foreign policy to be shaped more strongly in accordance with international law and human rights principles. It expressed solidarity with all those affected by the situation, especially hostages and their families. Additionally, the letter referenced public opinion surveys indicating that 80% of the German population criticize Israel's military actions and 60% oppose arms shipments to Israel. According to the West German Broadcasting Corporation (WDR), which is affiliated with the public broadcaster ARD, the letter was signed by around 50 well-known individuals.