Germany’s foreign minister is insisting ahead of a trip to the Middle East that “Israel must do more for the protection of the civilian population” in its war against Hamas in Gaza. Annalena Baerbock reiterated staunch ally Germany’s solidarity for Israel in its fight against “blind terror” and underlined its right to defend itself.
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Key points from Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s statement on the Gaza conflict:
- Baerbock, ahead of her Middle East trip, emphasized that Israel must enhance the protection of civilians in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
- She reaffirmed Germany’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense against what she termed “blind terror.”
- Baerbock advocated for more humanitarian pauses and expressed concern about the livability of Gaza post-war.
- She stated that peace is unattainable if conditions in Gaza deteriorate to the point where a dignified life is impossible.
- The Foreign Minister stressed that there should be no post-war occupation of Gaza, no expulsion of Palestinians, and no reduction in Gaza’s size.
- However, she also emphasized the need to eliminate any threat to Israel emanating from Gaza.
- Baerbock is scheduled to visit Israel, the West Bank, Egypt, and Lebanon.
The Associated Press has the story:
Israeli allay Germany presses for better protection of civilians in Gaza
Newslooks- BERLIN (AP)
Germany’s foreign minister is insisting ahead of a trip to the Middle East that “Israel must do more for the protection of the civilian population” in its war against Hamas in Gaza.
Annalena Baerbock reiterated staunch ally Germany’s solidarity for Israel in its fight against “blind terror” and underlined its right to defend itself.
But she called for more “humanitarian pauses” and said Friday that “peace can’t be won if the prospect of a life in dignity dries up, if Gaza is uninhabitable after the war.”
Baerbock said there must be no postwar occupation of the Gaza Strip, no expulsion of Palestinians and no reduction of the territory’s size, but “at the same time there must no longer be any danger to Israel from the Gaza Strip.”
The minister is due to depart Sunday on a trip to Israel, the West Bank, Egypt and Lebanon.
