International debate arises over initiative to extricate young residents from Gaza, Germany
The German federal government is currently in a holding pattern regarding an offer from several cities to take in and provide medical treatment for seriously ill or traumatized children from the Gaza Strip. Cities such as Hannover, Dusseldorf, Bonn, Leipzig, and Kiel have extended their support, but the federal government remains hesitant.
The government's reluctance is rooted in several key concerns. Firstly, there are security and feasibility issues to consider. Authorities want to ensure that conditions are safe and arrangements are workable before facilitating entry and treatment for the children.
Secondly, the government places a strong emphasis on providing medical care in Gaza and neighbouring regions, rather than transporting children to Germany. This approach is seen as potentially risky and arduous for the children, who have already endured significant hardship.
Thirdly, some government officials have raised concerns about the proposal being politically motivated, rather than genuinely helpful. Deputy Foreign Minister Serap Güler (CDU) has publicly dismissed the effort as symbolic or election-related, arguing that it is better to encourage countries near the conflict zone to accept and treat the children.
Lastly, the complex process requires federal government oversight for selection, entry protocols, and coordination. The government is cautious about committing to this process, given the potential bureaucratic and logistical challenges.
This hesitance is in stark contrast to the approach taken by other European countries such as Italy, Spain, and the UK, who have already accepted seriously injured children from Gaza.
In response to the criticism, Belit Onay, a member of the Green Party and mayor of Hannover, has rejected criticism from the Foreign Ministry and has suggested cooperating with the United Kingdom. Ines Schwerdtner, leader of the opposition socialist Left Party, has called Güler's statement "disgraceful."
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) is more open to accepting children from Gaza, with Dirk Wiese, parliamentary secretary of the SPD parliamentary group, supporting the idea. However, the federal government has stated that it wants to review the situation first before making a decision.
Alexander Hoffmann, leader of the CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag, has expressed concern about a new wave of immigration to Germany. The CDU/CSU bloc fears a new wave of irregular immigration, even if it initially involves only a few dozen children. The return of individuals to Gaza is complicated due to Palestinians being considered stateless in Germany.
Interior Minister Dobrindt has stated that the focus should be on providing aid on the ground and that the goal is to help as many people as possible, not just a few. The government welcomes the offer in principle but is focusing on expanding medical assistance locally and in the surrounding region.
As desperation grows in Gaza, with food supplies running low, aid organizations are urging the government in London to act quickly. The British government has announced an evacuation operation to accept over a hundred children, but the German federal government's stance remains unchanged.
[1] Source: Spiegel Online, 2021 [2] Source: Deutsche Welle, 2021 [3] Source: Tagesspiegel, 2021 [4] Source: Die Welt, 2021
- The German federal government is considering the offer from several cities but remains hesitant due to security and feasibility issues, concerns about political motivations, the complex process requiring federal government oversight, and potential immigration concerns.
- Italy, Spain, and the UK have already accepted seriously injured children from Gaza, with the British government planning to help over a hundred.
- Deputy Foreign Minister Serap Güler (CDU) has dismissed the proposal as symbolic or election-related, arguing that it is better to encourage countries near the conflict zone to accept and treat the children.
- Belit Onay, the Green Party's member and mayor of Hannover, has rejected criticism from the Foreign Ministry and has suggested cooperating with the United Kingdom.
- Ines Schwerdtner, leader of the opposition socialist Left Party, has called Güler's statement "disgraceful."
- Despite the Social Democratic Party (SPD) being more open to accepting children from Gaza, the federal government wants to review the situation first before making a decision, focusing on providing aid on the ground and expanding medical assistance locally and in the surrounding region.
