Overview

• The positions paper, titled “Jenseits der Staatsraison,” was presented in Berlin on October 2 by a broad coalition of scholars and practitioners.
• It urges Berlin to seek suspension of the EU–Israel association agreement, press for an EU ban on settlement-product imports, and impose an immediate comprehensive halt on exports of weapons and dual‑use goods to Israel.
• The authors call for recognition of a Palestinian state within 1967 borders, expanded funding for UNRWA, and stronger protections for UN staff and journalists in Gaza.
• The initiative proposes pressure on hardliners on both sides, including potential travel bans, asset freezes, and other sanctions, anchored in international law.
• Notable backers include Josep Borrell, Avraham Burg, Mary Robinson, Daniel Gerlach, and others, with Muriel Asseburg and Philip Holzapfel as lead authors; the appeal cites ongoing high civilian deaths in Gaza and dozens of remaining Israeli hostages.