Aydan Özoguz Under Fire for Social Media Post on Gaza Conflict

Aydan Özoguz Sparks Controversy

The Bundestag's elder council has convened to address the backlash over Bundestagsvizepräsidentin Aydan Özoguz's social media post regarding the Gaza conflict. Özoguz shared an Instagram story that has drawn accusations of anti-Israel bias, prompting calls for an immediate council meeting. During the discussions, Özoguz reiterated her apologies, which were acknowledged by members of the coalition parties. However, the Union has stated their discontent with her representation, with CDU/CSU leaders insisting that such perspectives should not be held by a Vice President of the Bundestag. CSU General Secretary Martin Huber has gone further, demanding her resignation, asserting that anti-Semites should not hold positions in German parliament. Özoguz reportedly expressed regret for any misunderstandings caused by her post, emphasizing her commitment to the peace process and highlighting the escalating violence affecting civilians on both sides.

Response and Reactions

• Özoguz shared a post from 'Jewish Voice for Peace', which aims for Palestinian liberation and critiques Zionism.
• Critics, including the President of the Central Council of Jews, labeled the post as inappropriate for her official position.
• Calls for her resignation have intensified, highlighting a significant divide in German political discourse regarding the Gaza conflict.