Gaza, Israel, and German Foreign Policy: A View on Public Opinion

Little is known about how those living in Germany view Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 or the latter’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza. A representative August 2025 online survey of 1,050 respondents provides insight into opinions on these issues as well as assessments of media coverage, understandings of anti-Semitism, and attitudes towards Germany’s culture of remembrance.

• Sixty-eight per cent of respondents agree with the statement that Hamas committed war crimes on 7 October. A similar number (65 per cent) believe that the Israeli army is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Fifty-nine per cent agree that Israel’s military action should be considered genocide against the Palestinian population.

• Only 10 per cent fully support the statement that Israel’s security should be Germany’s raison d'état. More than two-thirds believe that German foreign policy should be guided by international law and universal human rights.

• Over 60 per cent would have liked to see the former coalition government name and condemn Israeli war crimes in Gaza. Sixty-eight per cent are in favour of the current federal government urging their Israeli counterparts to end the blockade of Gaza and establish a permanent ceasefire. Only 18 per cent would like to see stronger military support for Israel.

• Sixty-one per cent of those surveyed believe that criticism of Israel should be separated from anti-Semitism. Finally, 56 per cent believe that Germany’s historical responsibility should apply to Jews and not to the Israeli state.

Policy Implications

Large sections of Germany society are in favour of a readjustment of the focus and direction of their country’s foreign policy toward Gaza and Israel. A majority believes that Germany should clearly adhere to international law. Critical reflection on the reasons for and consequences of the existing gaps between public opinion and foreign policy action is therefore urgently needed.

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