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Christoph Heusgen, Germany’s former permanent representative to the United Nations and ex-foreign policy adviser to Chancellor Angela Merkel, has warned that Berlin could be found guilty of aiding and abetting genocide in Gaza due to its military support for Israel.
Speaking to Berliner Zeitung, Heusgen said, “If Germany provides weapons that will be used in Gaza, there is a danger of being found guilty of complicity in genocide. That would be a disaster.”
Heusgen acknowledged that Germany could continue to supply Israel with weapons used for defense against external threats such as Iran.
However, he stressed that arms potentially used in Gaza against Palestinians must be stopped immediately.
“The International Court of Justice has determined that there is a risk of genocide in Gaza,” he said.
“Israel has not complied with the ICJ’s orders, such as taking effective measures to allow humanitarian aid. On the contrary, people are dying of hunger.”
Heusgen argued that Germany needs a fundamental change in its Israel policy, including recognizing Palestine as a state.
He added that international courts such as the International Criminal Court must be taken seriously, warning that Germany’s near-unconditional support for Israel could leave the country legally exposed.
The former envoy also criticized the German government for failing to respond adequately to the large-scale civilian losses in Gaza. He noted that many European Union countries have already recognized Palestine, and Germany should follow suit.
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