German government rejects criticism from Peace Prize winner Philippe Sands

The German Federal Government has rejected criticism from Philippe Sands, the recipient of this year’s Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. During his acceptance speech at the Paulskirche in Frankfurt, Sands described Germany’s silence regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza as “indecent” and argued that identifying violations of international law is not inherently antisemitic or anti-Israel.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office stated that while the government has “taken note” of the criticism, it maintains that different opinions should be expressed in public debates and noted that Germany has frequently and clearly stated its position on Israel.

The remarks come amid broader international tension regarding the conflict, following the announcement that South African jurist Navi Pillay would receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Pillay previously led a UN commission that accused Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip, a stance that has drawn significant criticism from Israeli officials.