US EditionFirst German Politician Enters Gaza Since October 7 Attack
Julia Klöckner spent about an hour embedded with Israeli forces as a parliamentary observer urging steps to open Gaza after the ceasefire, Bundestag said.
- On Thursday, Julia Klöckner became the first German politician to enter Gaza since October 7, 2023, on an invitation from Israel's Knesset during her three-day trip.
- Germany's Bundestag welcomed Israel's decision to allow a German parliamentary observer into Gaza, while she urged Israel's government to continue opening the territory after the ceasefire.
- Klöckner entered Gaza on a brief IDF-organized embed with restricted access; journalists were not permitted, and authorization was uncertain until the last moment.
- Franziska Brantner said `It is good that Bundestag speaker Julia Klöckner would like to get a picture of what's happening on the ground in Gaza`, but called the trip unsatisfactory and urged access for international and independent observers.
- While the ceasefire has prevented large-scale fighting, Israeli attacks and lower-level clashes remain ongoing; Klöckner, a senior Christian Democrat, addressed the Knesset and visited Yad Vashem.
40 Articles
40 Articles
The visit of President Klöckner to the Gaza Strip has provoked criticism in Germany, partly with a sharp choice of words. According to reports, both the Federal Foreign Office and the German Embassy in Tel Aviv explicitly advised her not to visit Gaza. Klöckner himself defended her visit.
Bundestag president's Gaza tour with IDF bashed in Germany as 'catastrophe tourism'
Julia Klöckner's visit included an official Knesset welcome and a tour of Gaza accompanied by IDF soldiers. Reports said the Knesset and the Israeli embassy in Berlin prepared the tour despite objections from Germany's Federal Foreign Ministry and the German Embassy in Tel Aviv
Julia Klöckner visited the Gaza Strip with the support of the Israeli army. Criticism comes from the Greens and the SPD. However, Germany can be happy to have a President of the Bundestag, who is still somewhat concerned about the friendship with Israel.
derwesten.de
Federal President Julia Klöckner was the first German politician to visit the Gaza Strip since the Hamas attack. The visit was only possible after long negotiations and took place under strict security measures.
Many German politicians travelled to Israel after Hamas' terrorist attack in October 2023. However, there was no one in the Gaza Strip.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
