Germany’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul departed for the occupied Palestinian territories on Saturday, beginning a Middle East tour that he described as centered on “critical discussions” with both Israeli and Palestinian leadership.

“In both of our democracies, critical discussions about the policies of one's own government and friendly nations are part of this,” Wadephul stated before departing Berlin.

During his trip, Wadephul is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. The German minister will also visit the Yad Vashem memorial and hold meetings with families of those held captive in Gaza.

Condemnation of Hamas but not 'Israel'

Wadephul reiterated his government's condemnation of Operation al-Aqsa Flood while failing to condemn the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which has thus far reached 52,653 dead and 118,897 others wounded.

“I will ask about the strategic objective of the fighting, which has intensified again since March,” Wadephul noted, in reference to the renewed escalation of "Israel's" military aggression on the Gaza Strip.

As part of his tour, Wadephul will also travel to Ramallah to meet with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa. 

Strong backer of 'Israel'

Germany has long been an avid supporter of the Israeli occupation, providing diplomatic and weapons support for "Israel" since the beginning of the war on Gaza, and even clamping down on pro-Palestine protests and activists in the country.

Between August and October 2024, data revealed by the German Foreign Ministry showed that Germany had approved over $100 million in military exports to "Israel", marking a significant increase following a drop in arms exports earlier this year.

The arms exports, valued at approximately €94 million ($101.61 million), have drawn scrutiny after the information was released in response to a parliamentary inquiry by Left Party MP Sevim Dagdelen.

This news came as the European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) announced it has filed an appeal with the Frankfurt Administrative Court on behalf of a Gaza resident. The appeal aimed to halt further German arms exports to "Israel", arguing that they contribute to civilian harm in Gaza.

The plaintiff, a Palestinian resident of Gaza, lost his wife and daughter in Israeli airstrikes and argues that Germany’s continued weapons shipments could further endanger civilians in the region.