At a press conference, Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner responded to a question from a pro-Palestinian activist about how long the Israeli flag will remain alongside the German one on the flagpole at City Hall.
The activist claimed that Israel was allegedly committing genocide in Gaza. Wegner responded by emphasizing that it is important to look at the historical situation more deeply and not succumb to propaganda:
“It is always necessary to delve into history and study it. There is no genocide. There is only its monstrous propaganda.”
He added that the Israeli flag will fly over the city hall until all hostages held in the Gaza tunnels are returned to their families.
Seit fast einem Jahr hängt die Israelische Flagge vor dem Roten Rathaus. Es gibt Menschen, dieses Symbol der Solidarität ablehnen. Einige von ihnen waren bei “Kai Wegner vor Ort”. Reg. Burgermeister @kaiwegner hat klar gemacht, welche Haltung er bei diesem Thema hat. pic.twitter.com/UZFgzz5vYZ
— Senatskanzlei Berlin (@RegBerlin) September 20, 2024
Earlier, Kursor reported that Germany stressed the “urgent need” to take steps to reduce tensions in the Middle East in the context of Israeli military actions against Hamas in Gaza. The conflict could spread to Lebanon, where cross-border clashes with the terrorist group Hezbollah have been taking place for almost a year.
The German Foreign Ministry published a statement on Platform X, stressing the need for concrete measures to calm the situation and prevent further civilian casualties. Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock has already contacted her Israeli and Lebanese counterparts to discuss possible measures.
The German federal government expressed “deep concern” about the escalation of the conflict, but noted that such a situation was not “inevitable.” Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit added that a diplomatic solution to the conflict was possible.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned that a regional war could have “terrible and long-term consequences for the entire population” and “catastrophic destruction.”
