On Wednesday, the German Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s targeting of a school operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza. In a post on its official X platform page, the ministry stated that “killing individuals seeking protection in schools is unacceptable.”
The ministry added, “The repeated attacks by the Israeli army on schools must stop, and these attacks must be swiftly investigated.”
Hours earlier, Israeli airstrikes targeted the gate of the Al-Awda School, which shelters displaced people in Khan Younis, as well as tents belonging to the Abu Daqqa family near the Al-Mutanabbi School in the area of Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Younis.
The bombing resulted in the martyrdom of 29 people and injured at least 50 others, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Palestinian activists posted horrific scenes from the Israeli massacre in the town of Abasan al-Kabira, showing the bodies of martyrs, some of which were turned into fragments.
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, Germany has maintained a complex stance toward Israel, underlining the challenges of balancing international relations and national security interests.
Germany has consistently supported Israel, emphasizing that Israel’s security is a vital national interest—a principle known as “reason of state.” This has included backing Israel in international forums and continuing significant military support, despite the controversial nature of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have led to high Palestinian casualties.
However, the German government has faced internal and international criticism for its approach. Domestically, there has been significant public and political debate over Germany’s support for Israel, especially given the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza. This includes scrutiny over arms exports to Israel, with German officials ensuring that such exports are carefully assessed to avoid any use in genocide or crimes against humanity.
In diplomatic circles, German officials have actively participated in European Union discussions about the conflict, sometimes clashing with EU representatives who have pushed for more critical stances toward Israel’s actions in Gaza
