Baerbock expects Israel to provide more protection for civilians
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is calling on the Israeli government to do more to protect civilians in the Gaza Strip. "We expect Israel to adapt its military action to alleviate civilian suffering, to allow more humanitarian aid, especially to the north, to take a more targeted military approach and to accept fewer civilian casualties," said the Green politician on the sidelines of the World Climate Conference in Dubai. "The fight is against Hamas and not the innocent Palestinians."
Baerbock emphasized that too many civilians in Gaza had already fallen victim to the conflict. The way in which Israel is fighting is also key to "maintaining the prospect of a political solution". She explained: "It is part of the truth: The war is not won if peace is lost in the process."
Humanitarian aid had barely made it past Rafah on the border with Egypt and had not arrived in northern Gaza for days. "For the people in Gaza, especially the children, life is simply hell." She also referred to the rocket attacks on Israel by Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthi rebels. Relatives in Israel were worried about hostages in the hands of Hamas.
"Even an emotionally obvious demand, such as that for a general break in arms, is de facto in vain, because it provides no answer as to how Hamas' terror can end, how Hamas can lay down its weapons, how Israel can be safe again," said Baerbock. "At the same time, things cannot go on as they are now." Israel has the right to defend itself within the framework of international law.
According to information from her delegation, Baerbock had previously spoken with the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for just under an hour and a half, primarily about the situation in the Middle East. Baerbock also mentioned the meeting and said that there was close coordination with those "moderate Arab states" that wanted to provide humanitarian aid and were involved as mediators.
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Baerbock urged Israel to strengthen its efforts to minimize civilian casualties during its military operations in Gaza, citing the need to alleviate suffering and pave the way for a political solution. The lack of humanitarian aid reaching northern Gaza continues to exacerbate the suffering of civilians, particularly children.
Source: www.ntv.de
