World · Europe · 11 hrs ago
Philippe Sands criticizes Germany’s silence on Israel at peace prize speech
Philippe Sands, a French-British international law expert and author, received the German Publishers’ Peace Prize in Frankfurt.
In his acceptance speech, he criticized what he called Germany’s silence about Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
He said violations of international law should be named, including when they are committed by friends, and warned against restricting debate.
Sands said the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, were horrific violations of international law.
He also said Israel has a right to defend itself, but must do so within the limits of international law.
The prize recognized Sands for his work on justice, peace and defending international law.
In his speech, he also called for continued support for Ukraine.
Philippe Sands criticized what he called Germany’s silence about Israel during his acceptance speech for the German Book Trade Peace Prize.
He said violations of international law should be clearly named, including when committed by friends.
Sands called restrictions on debate in Germany “concerning” and said people should not be silenced for speaking out.
He also condemned Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks and said Israel has a right to defend itself within the limits of international law.
The award, worth 25,000 euros, was presented in Frankfurt in the presence of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
- Who
- Philippe Sands, a French-British international lawyer, received the German Book Trade Peace Prize.
- What
- He criticized Germany’s silence about Israel and called for violations of international law to be named.
- When
- At the award ceremony reported on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- The Paulskirche in Frankfurt, Germany.
- Why
- Sands said violations of international law should be denounced, including when committed by friends, and that people should not be silenced for doing so.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Germany’s silence on Israel, on Gaza and on the West Bank remains loud to this day.
It is not antisemitic. It is not anti-Israel. It is the truth.
Silencing the fact of the crimes is indecent.
The Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023 were appalling.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Award
- German Book Trade Peace Prize
- Award amount
- 25,000 euros
- Speech venue
- Paulskirche, Frankfurt
- Award presenter present
- German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- Hamas attacks referenced
- October 7, 2023
Sources
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