We stand in solidarity with the victims and survivors of Hamas‘ murderous terror and empathise with them. Based on Fritz Bauer’s legacy as the voice of the survivors and their resistance against National Socialism, we are at their side. The release of the hostages from Hamas‘ control is our top priority.
As a state under attack, Israel has the right to defend itself in order to prevent further massacres of the civilian population and to stop further hostage-takings and murders. We deplore the victims and sufferers among the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, who are also being terrorised by Hamas, who cannot flee, and who are now thousands of innocent victims of the retaliatory strikes by both sides, women, men and children.
It must also be noted: The massacre of well over 1,000 Israeli women, men and children came after ten months of the biggest domestic and judicial crisis in Israel’s history. The fact that Hamas was able to cross Israel’s border without resistance, that it was able to prepare this murderous attack for years, is directed as criticism at the current Israeli government and especially at its head of government Netanyahu. The so-called „judicial reform“ of the extreme right-wing and national-religious government has put the security of Israel’s citizens in the greatest danger since the founding of the state.
Moreover, the war is taking place in a situation of escalating violence between the settlers, who are strengthened by the national-religious government, and the Palestinians in the West Bank.
It is questionable whether the military ground offensive in the Gaza Strip with its foreseeable tens of thousands of victims, a policy of deterrence, will lead to the liberation of the hostages. It is also questionable whether this will lead to the destruction of Hamas‘ ideas. Ultimately, there will be no peace in the Middle East without a two-state settlement – however difficult this may be to achieve. It is the only way to achieve a lasting solution and a lasting peace. The policy of mutual retaliation must be replaced by a policy of dialogue.
Fritz Bauer Forum
October 2023
