Majority of Germans support tougher stance on Israel over Gaza crisis Survey finds

A large majority of Germans believe their government should increase diplomatic pressure on Israel in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, according to a new survey published on July 28.

The poll, conducted by the Forsa Institute for the weekly magazine Stern, found that 74 per cent of respondents support a tougher stance from Berlin toward Israel as the war in Gaza continues. The humanitarian situation in the enclave has been described by at least one aid organisation as "engineered starvation," Caliber.Az reports via DW. 

The findings reveal significant differences in opinion along party lines. An overwhelming 94 per cent of Left Party supporters and 88 per cent of Green Party voters are in favour of stronger pressure on Israel.

Among those backing the ruling center-left Social Democrats (SPD) and the center-right Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), 77 per cent also support a more assertive position.

Even among voters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has traditionally opposed such diplomatic measures, a majority of 61 per cent favour increasing pressure on Israel, though 37 per cent of AfD supporters remain opposed—the highest share among any party’s electorate.

The survey comes amid growing criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, where humanitarian agencies report dire conditions for civilians. Despite the public sentiment, Germany has long maintained a firm pro-Israel policy, with successive governments declaring the security of the Jewish state a central element of German foreign policy.

By Sabina Mammadli