German President Outlines Plans for Solidarity Between Israel and Palestine

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has announced that the purpose of his upcoming visit to Israel on November 26 is to express solidarity with the self-defending state against terrorist aggression. "Am I going to Israel now? Yes, right now," Steinmeier stated in a video message on Saturday, November 25.

According to the press service of the German President's office, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, accompanied by his wife Elke Budenbender, will embark on an official visit to Israel, Oman, and Qatar on November 26 and 27. The itinerary for the visit to Israel includes a meeting with President Isaac Herzog, as well as participation in political events and discussions in southern Israel and East Jerusalem.

Steinmeier has described his trip to Israel as "difficult, but necessary." "I am going to Israel, which is defending itself, which is fighting for its existence, Israel which is increasingly subjected to international criticism precisely for that self-defense," emphasized the German President. He noted that since its founding 75 years ago, the state of Israel has never faced a "deep wound" as severe as the one inflicted on October 7, the date of a large-scale attack by the Hamas terrorist organization.

“After the Holocaust, so many Jews have not been killed in one day. Never before has Israel's existence as a safe home for Jews been so threatened,” the leader of the German state remarked.

“No one can deny Israel's right to fight decisively against terrorism,” Steinmeier highlighted. At the same time, he pointed out that during this struggle, unarmed civilians also suffer immensely. Berlin expects that all measures will be taken to protect civilians and provide them with everything necessary, in accordance with international humanitarian law, said the German head of state.

Regarding Hamas
President Steinmeier mentioned that among other topics for discussion with Israeli authorities will be humanitarian assistance for civilians in the Gaza Strip. “Every human life has equal weight,” he stated in this regard. However, he noted that the Hamas Islamist movement cannot be regarded as a “liberation organization fighting for Palestinian interests.” “It is rather a terrorist organization that seeks to destroy Israel while cynically tormenting the Palestinian people,” declared the German President.

When discussing the future of the region post-war, Steinmeier expressed support for the concept of two states. “Such a solution must be based on two principles — more security for Israel and more prospects for the future of the Palestinians,” he explained. “Palestinians must exercise their right to political self-determination and live with dignity, freely and peacefully alongside their neighbors,” added Steinmeier.