Statement from CADUS on the German government’s planned airlift to Gaza.
*Photo: Aid drop in Gaza 2024

The German government’s announcement to set up an airlift to Gaza together with Jordan is one thing above all: symbolic politics. One of the most serious humanitarian disasters of our time requires a determined commitment from a German government that wants to live up to its humanitarian claim in order to protect and support the people in Gaza in the long term.

Our experience in the field with the first airlift in 2024 clearly shows that airdrops are not only ineffective, but also dangerous and unfair. The few goods that are dropped rarely reach those who need help most urgently. People have to risk their health to get some of the few relief supplies. They are injured by falling supply crates, during the dangerous securing of crates that have landed in the sea or during disputes over the scarce relief supplies.

Measures with such damaging potential must not be the first choice for a German government that is committed to international humanitarian law. It is long overdue for Germany to use its influence, especially on its partner Israel, to push through real improvements.

CADUS therefore calls for an end to this symbolic policy and the necessary commitment of the Federal Government to :

• a permanent opening of the Egyptian and Israeli border with Gaza for humanitarian and commercial transportation

• an increase in humanitarian deliveries by land

• guaranteed protection of the civilian population and humanitarian actors

• an immediate halt to the displacement of the civilian population

• an immediate ceasefire

• the immediate release of all Israeli hostages

• an immediate stop to German arms deliveries to Israel

As a close political and economic partner of Israel, as currently the largest humanitarian donor state for the Palestinian territories and as a leading member of the EU, which also donates money, the German Federal Government bears more than just a moral responsibility and must now work for humane care, protection and prospects in Gaza!