Overview

• Maxim Biller’s column titled “Morbus Israel” described Israel’s hunger blockade of Gaza as strategically justified despite its severe humanitarian impact.
• The weekly depublished the text shortly after publication following a wave of reader outrage that labeled its language hateful and inhumane.
• In an editorial note, Die Zeit acknowledged that several passages had fallen short of its quality standards and removed the entire contribution.
• Media professionals in Germany have since debated how to balance opinion journalism with the need to prevent hate speech and uphold editorial responsibility.
• Observers say the episode underscores deep divisions in German public discourse over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the limits of acceptable debate.