Germans protest arms exports to Israel, accuse Berlin of role in Gaza suffering

Residents of Osnabruck in northwestern Germany have criticized the country’s arms exports to Israel, saying the German government shares responsibility for Palestinian suffering.

The residents gathered on Monday to protest German carmaker Volkswagen's plan to produce weapons and military equipment for Israel at its Osnabruck plant.

Oliver Streck, a university student, told Anadolu the situation was troubling despite denial by the German government of sending weapons to Israel.

“The German government sends parts for tanks and artillery ammunition used in Gaza,” he said.

“For a state that claims to defend human rights to provide weapons to a state that clearly violates human rights and commits genocide, this is hypocrisy and a violation of the German constitution,” he added.

Germany is the second-largest supplier of weapons to Israel after the US, according to Amnesty.

Genocide in Gaza at heart of Mideast conflict

Another protester who gave only his first name, Helmut, said the genocide in Gaza is deeply linked to conflict in the Middle East.

Calling out the West for its duplicity, he said they can neither defend this genocide, nor condemn it.

“There are two international courts accusing Israel of genocide, and the International Criminal Court is almost paralyzed due to fear of sanctions coming from America," he said.

Historical responsibility

Another university student, Philip, who only gave his first name, described plans to convert a car factory into a weapons production site “unacceptable.”

"These weapons will either be sold in Europe or, I think even worse, probably go to Israel.

"We have a historical responsibility … It is to defend international law and protect human rights.

"Therefore, I find the idea that we may be supplying weapons to a genocide that has been progressing steadily for decades unacceptable," he said.

Another demonstrator, Marie Dominique Guillard, said she opposes wars and the global arms race, and expressed hope for peace worldwide.

She added that she hopes peace can be achieved through respect for international law and diplomacy.

Germany should do more for peac

Another protester, Johann Wen blamed Germany for the events unfolding in Palestine.

"The German government … does nothing beyond issuing warnings.

"We are currently witnessing Israel in cahoots with the US, starting wars in various countries. Israel carried out a war that caused the deaths of approximately 100,000 people in Gaza alone, and also led to the complete destruction of homes, civilian infrastructure, and water and electricity networks.

"Israel used hunger as a weapon in this war and attacks on Gaza have still not ended, its army still occupies more than half of Gaza. Currently, Israel is also waging war in Lebanon and … the war in Iran," Wen said.

"According to reliable figures, they caused 4 million or more people to lose their homes and their livelihoods. And I find this terrifying.

"There is very little critical reporting on this in Germany. It is presented as if it is entirely about Israel's self-defense.

“And I think this is wrong," he said.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Demir in Istanbul