Politics

Israel's goal in Gaza

Can Hamas really be completely 'eliminated'?

The short answer, military analysts say, is "no". The long answer is more complex. Israel's campaign may degrade the group's capabilities, but defeating its ideology is likely impossible without a political solution
By Cathrin Schaer
War in the Middle East

International law – a handy excuse

In the shadow of war, the Israeli government is becoming increasingly radicalised. Is the German government aware of this trend and the risks it poses? There are no signs that it is. Germany doesn't even have a Middle East policy
By Stefan Buchen
Middle East conflict and the Gaza war

"Wake up to the reality of what is happening"

The Hamas terrorism of 7 October was particularly cruel and atrocious. The perpetrators committed terrible crimes. Many Israelis, however, think their own government bears responsibility for the bloodshed that occurred on its watch. Susan Neiman, a Jewish philosopher, shares her views
By Hans Dembowski
Sudan crisis

Mass displacement and death

Over the past month, the conflict between two military groups in Sudan has reached what experts say is a grim turning point. The country's future is even more unclear
By Cathrin Schaer
Palestinians in Iraq

Between sympathy and rejection

Palestinians living in Saddam Hussein's Iraq were courted until his overthrow in 2003, after which they suffered widespread harassment. Ever since the onset of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, however, Iraqis have been keen to show their solidarity
By Birgit Svensson
Hezbollah and the Gaza war

Caught out by its own propaganda

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has a penchant for using strong words. His terrorist organisation has no interest, however, in the Israeli war escalating uncontrollably
By Bente Scheller
COP28 in the United Arab Emirates

How will the Israel-Hamas conflict impact the UN climate summit?

As the UN's annual climate conference convenes, the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza is casting a long shadow. Observers suggest the conflict will impact regional cooperation and the future of Middle East environment policies
By Cathrin Schaer
Israeli plans for Gaza

A Palestinian exodus to Egypt?

Is the entire population of Gaza to be relocated to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt? This is what a strategy paper by the influential Israeli Misgav Institute envisages. In interview with Qantara.de, German-Israeli economist Shir Hever explains what the plan is all about
By Elisa Rheinheimer
Germany’s stance on the Middle East conflict

What does 'never again' actually mean?

History puts Germany on Israel's side. For the same reason, Germany must defend international and human rights. This is now a dilemma. A value-driven foreign policy would do well to remember the universalist understanding of 'never again'
By Daniel Bax
Israeli hostages held by Hamas

What can Germany do?

Weeks of tough negotiations have led to an initial hostage deal between Hamas and Israel with Qatar playing a leading role in the mediation process. Bearing in mind Germany’s historic debt towards the Jews, what part could – or should – Germany play?
By Stefan Buchen
Israel's war against Hamas

"The Middle East conflict must be resolved at the roots"

Leading Palestinian intellectual Sari Nusseibeh on the Hamas massacres, Israel's war in Gaza and the distant dream of equal coexistence
By Inge Günther
A different take on Gaza

Global South criticises Israel

Germany, the USA and the UK have stood firmly behind Israel following the Hamas attacks. The Global South, however, sees the Gaza conflict differently. Pro-Palestine voices can be heard across the region. By Kristin Palitza and Denis Duettmann, dpa