Portrait of Olaf Scholz
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Olaf Scholz on Gaza

Two-state solution advocate (strong)

TL;DR

Olaf Scholz strongly supports Israel's right to security while urgently advocating for a two-state solution and humanitarian aid for Gaza.

Key Points

  • He strongly called any resettlement plans for Gazans "unacceptable" in January 2025.

  • The Chancellor has urged a return to serious talks on a Gaza truce as of April 2025.

  • He stressed that Palestinians in Gaza need a perspective for a life in freedom.

Summary

Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, maintains a consistent foreign policy position emphasizing Israel's security needs following attacks while simultaneously calling for robust humanitarian access to Gaza and a clear political perspective for the Palestinians. He has strongly condemned any suggestion of forcibly resettling Gazans, labelling such plans unacceptable, particularly in response to comments made by others regarding post-conflict scenarios. His stance ties the immediate necessity of aid and a ceasefire to the long-term goal of a viable two-state solution, asserting that Palestinians in Gaza require a perspective for a life in freedom.

This position has led him to urge a return to serious talks about a truce, balancing Germany’s unwavering bond with Israel with growing international and domestic pressure regarding the civilian situation in the Gaza Strip. He has publicly stressed that the current situation is unsustainable and that serious negotiations must resume to prevent further escalation and establish a lasting peace framework. The Chancellor continues to use his platform to advocate for regional stability rooted in diplomatic engagement rather than unilateral actions.

Key Quotes

“In light of recent public statements, I say very clearly that any relocation plans -- the idea that the citizens of Gaza will be expelled to Egypt or Jordan -- is unacceptable”

“The relocation of populations is unacceptable and against international law”

Frequently Asked Questions

Olaf Scholz’s main stance is a dual commitment to Israel's security and the urgent need for a political horizon for Palestinians, specifically advocating for a two-state solution. He consistently backs Israel’s right to defend itself while simultaneously demanding more humanitarian aid and an end to forced displacement of Gazans.

The core elements of his position—support for Israel and the two-state goal—have remained constant, but the emphasis has evolved with the crisis. He has become more vocal in condemning ideas like forced resettlement and has repeatedly called for truces and aid access.

The Chancellor explicitly stated that plans involving the resettlement of Gazans are unacceptable. He made this clear in early 2025, reinforcing Germany's opposition to any large-scale, forced population transfer from the Gaza Strip.

Sources7

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.