Thorsten Frei dismissed concerns over a rift in Germany's coalition government regarding its position on Israel. Despite not signing a condemnation of the killing of Palestinians in Gaza along with 28 other countries, Frei asserted that the coalition is united in its aims. He highlighted the importance of clarifying that Hamas’s attack on October 7 started the conflict. Frei stated that while Israel has a right to self-defense, protecting civilians in Gaza is a legal imperative. The SPD has called for the government to join other nations in condemning Israel's actions in Gaza.
Frei, Chancellor Merz's top aide, stated there's unity in the coalition's goals regarding Gaza, despite differing views on the methods to achieve them. He emphasized that 'there's not even a sheet of paper between the partners,' indicating that while approaches may differ, the objective remains shared.
Frei defended Germany's decision not to sign a joint declaration, stating that it lacked clarity regarding the sequence of events leading to the conflict. He highlighted the necessity to make it clear that Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, was the starting point of the war.
While speaking about civilian protection, Frei stated that 'the humanitarian situation in Gaza must change.' He reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense but insisted that protecting civilians is a 'legal imperative under international law.'
Leading figures in the SPD urged the government to join a declaration signed by 28 countries calling for an end to the war in Gaza and condemning Israel's actions, highlighting the differing perspectives within the coalition.
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