SPD decision for Palestine: A new beginning in politics?

SPD decision for Palestine: A new beginning in politics?

Berlin, Deutschland - On May 28, 2025, there was an important meeting between the Palestine representative in Berlin, Laith Arafeh, and leading SPD politicians. This meeting happened shortly before a SPD party conference decision, which dealt with the dramatic situation in the Gaza Strip. The military conflict, which escalated after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, is now forcing numerous politicians to think about the humanitarian crisis and a possible solution. There are currently 58 hostages in the hands of Hamas, while Israel intervenes militarily to free them and combat Hamas' violence. The reporting of BZ Berlin emphasizes the importance of these topics, especially with regard to improved humanitarian care in the region.

The SPD state party conference produced some far -reaching resolutions. Among other things, it was required to improve the import of auxiliary goods and the medical care Gaza. In addition, the SPD decided to expose German arms deliveries to Israel and to recognize Palestine as an independent state. Despite these symbolic steps, it should be noted that Germany has not yet officially recognized Palestine as a state. Tagesschau reports that there is also worrying developments in the region, including a "unexplored attack" on the southern Gaza strips that results in numerous civilian victims.

political conversations and support for Gaza

LAITH Arafeh commented on X about the party congress decision and described him as "a real turn of the time". At his meeting with the SPD parliamentary group leader Raed Saleh and ex-SPD candidate for chancellor Martin Schulz, the focus was on discussions about the current situation in Gaza. Hakan Demir, member of the Bundestag, also joined the conversations and called for stronger German help to recreate the Gaza Strip. However, Demir could not reveal any information about the financial aspects of reconstruction. Arafeh maintains regular contacts with German politicians, which the SPD did not want to comment on.

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has further tightened: almost 90 % of the population are internally displaced, and basic care is increasingly collapsing. The lack of food, water and medical care is dramatic. Germany has increased its help for the Palestinian areas by over 300 million euros since October 2023 to provide support in this crisis situation. The Federal Foreign Office emphasizes that the German support is mainly in the form of medical and food aid, including delivery tours for food cornets.

international context and reactions

The international community reacts to the escalation of violence. While several German politicians, including Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil, criticize the Israeli military campaigns, there are also feedback from friendly countries. The reports of fatal attacks in the Gaza Strip, with at least 30 people killed by Israeli attacks, are alarming. In addition, Israel plans to take over a large part of the Gaza Strip within a few weeks, which could cause further tensions in the region.