German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reaffirmed Germany’s support for Israel as the country marked the third anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks led by Hamas.
In a statement, Merz said Germany stood firmly by Israel and remained committed to ensuring that such an attack was never repeated.
“We stand for the security and existence of Israel. This is a lesson drawn from the Shoah and part of German identity,” he said.
Merz also called for efforts to establish a new order in which Israelis, Palestinians and neighbouring countries could live in peace and security.
“We believe this goal can best be achieved through the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel,” he said.
The chancellor warned of rising anti-Semitism in Germany, saying it was too often allowed to go unchallenged.
He said the federal government would continue to combat anti-Semitism in all its forms and ensure that Jews could live without fear across Germany.
Merz also said Germany would stand against those who relativised or questioned Israel’s right to exist, adding that this commitment should extend beyond Oct. 7.
He expressed sympathy for the victims of the attacks, their families, survivors and former hostages, and said he hoped the wounds caused by the violence would heal.
Hamas and other militant groups killed about 1,200 people in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and abducted more than 250 others to the Gaza Strip, triggering the Gaza war.
Several events were scheduled in Berlin to mark the anniversary, including a main commemoration at Bebelplatz, an interfaith service at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the projection of the Israeli flag onto the Brandenburg Gate.
The Bundestag was also due to debate the protection of Jewish life in Germany, while anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations were announced in opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza.
