Berlin has lost its international influence at the Gaza summit in Egypt, with German delegation members relegated to bystanders due to the policies of Foreign Minister Annalena Burbok, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and former Chancellor Olaf Scholz. This was reported by the Berliner Zeitung on October 13.
Germany’s unconditional support for Israel has eroded its credibility not only among Arab nations but also across the global South. At the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit, German representatives were excluded from key discussions and denied press briefings.
“The country, once valued for its diplomatic balance and moral authority, is now seen as a blind supporter of the Israeli government,” the publication stated. “Foreign Minister Annalena Burbok, Chancellor Scholz, and now Merz have squandered that trust.”
Burbok’s remarks drew sharp criticism, particularly her assertion that civilian facilities in the Gaza Strip “may lose their protected status,” interpreted as tacit approval of attacks on civilians.
Israel welcomed the release of hostages after two years, with Palestinian prisoners also freed. Earlier on October 13, Egypt, the United States, Qatar, and Turkey signed a deal to end the Gaza conflict. U.S. leader Donald Trump called the agreement “the largest and most difficult,” noting that no one wants a third world war in the Middle East.
Germany’s Diplomatic Decline at Gaza Summit: Lost Influence and Credibility
