German government distances itself from anti-Semitism envoy’s remarks on Gaza

The German government distanced itself on Wednesday from controversial comments made by its anti-Semitism envoy, who had expressed support for US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, Anadolu has reported.

At a press briefing in Berlin, the Interior Ministry spokesman clarified that Felix Klein, the commissioner for combating anti-Semitism, made these remarks in his personal capacity rather than as a government representative.

“Mr. Klein was not speaking on behalf of the government but rather expressing his personal views. The government, chancellor, and foreign minister have already made their positions clear on this matter,” said Mehmet Ata, referring to the government’s firm rejection of the plan.

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At the same briefing, German Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer reiterated that Klein’s comments reflected only his personal perspective. “To be clear, the statement does not represent the foreign policy stance of the German government,” he insisted.

Klein made the remarks in an interview with Neue Osnabrucker Zeitung on Tuesday, prompting widespread criticism from human rights activists and organisations. He said that he viewed Trump’s Gaza plan as “fundamentally positive,” adding, “I don’t think it’s wrong to think radically and in a completely new way.”

Last month, Trump proposed a plan for the US to “take over” Gaza and forcibly relocate Palestinians, claiming that he could transform the enclave into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.

The proposal faced immediate and widespread condemnation from Palestinians, Arab nations and countries worldwide, with human rights organisations warning that such a plan would constitute ethnic cleansing and a grave violation of international law.

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