By Oliver Towfigh Nia
BERLIN (AA) - A major German Muslim group called on Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday to press Israel to end its war in the Gaza Strip amid a mounting death toll and worsening humanitarian situation in the enclave.
“We are faced with the historical responsibility to criticize the [Israeli] war crimes in the strongest possible terms and to forcefully call on the federal government to firmly advocate for a permanent ceasefire with the aim of creating circumstances conducive to lasting peace," the Cologne-based Muslim Coordination Council (KRM) said in an open letter to Scholz.
One has “to ensure that the war crimes of all those involved are documented and made available for prosecution,” it added.
The KRM stressed on the need to ensure that all measures requested by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are implemented.
It pointed out that the humanitarian situation for the civilian population in Gaza remained “catastrophic” after nearly six months of war.
“Their suffering can hardly be put into words. Not day after day, but hour after hour, even every moment, we and the entire humanity witness innocent people losing their lives,” the group said.
“Gaza is repeatedly bombarded on a large scale. According to eyewitnesses, civilians are often the target of indiscriminate shootings or bombings. Not only are they deprived of the most necessary infrastructure, but even food, water and medicine,” it added.
Germany’s strong public support for Israel in the Gaza war and its policy of unquestioning solidarity for the Jewish state has faced international criticism.
The UN Security Council on Monday passed a resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
While Hamas welcomed the move, Israel rejected the truce demand and vowed to continue its offensive until "total victory."
Israel has waged its military offensive on Gaza since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 in which some 1,200 Israelis were killed.
More than 32,200 Palestinians have since been killed besides leading to mass destruction, displacement and starvation.
Israel stands accused of genocide at the ICJ, which in January issued an interim ruling that ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.