Baerbock suggests deploying an EU control team on the Gaza Strip boundary.
Back in 2005, when Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, the European Union (EU) dispatched their EUBAM Rafah control team to guard the Egyptian border. This initiative aimed to establish trust between Israel and the Palestinian government as it supervised border crossings. However, when the hardline Islamic Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in '07, the mission was immediately halted. German law enforcement and customs personnel also participated in the EU mission.
During a recent discussion in Berlin, Baerbock pushed for a humanitarian truce leading to a more extensive ceasefire. She laid down three preconditions for it.
Firstly, Israel needs security assurances, considering Hamas's ultimate goal is "complete destruction of Israel," as per the Minister. Europe and Germany can assist in providing these guarantees, but according to Baerbock, "bigger players," most likely referring to the United States, must also join in. A potential EU border mission could act as a vital part of this.
Secondly, rebuilding the Gaza Strip internationally is crucial.
Lastly, infrastructural growth and State development in the Palestinian territories are imperative, paving the way for a two-state resolution.
Baerbock's participation in the dialogue session was frequently disturbed by pro-Palestinian protestors. Their signs screamed, "German state interest = genocide," "Israel is a child killer," and "Shame on Germany." A participant sarcastically shouted, "Shame on Germany."
These demonstrators periodically disrupted Baerbock's speech, demanding answers and questioning her every move. The Green politician proclaimed, "It's heated because it's about people" when referring to the Israel-Palestine conflict. At a certain point, she even told the protesters, "I'm sorry: you can't save children in Gaza like this. Now, I'm getting emotional too."
Baerbock acknowledged being from a party that values demonstrations. But, she admonished the demonstrators who just wanted to disrupt the event, calling their behavior "not the point of this event."
Eventually, when the security forces stepped in to remove the disrupters, Baerbock implored them for gentleness, saying, "Can you be a little gentler." She also hoped that the disrupters would continue participating in the event. The event then concluded as planned.
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- Baerbock suggested deploying an EU inspection mission on the boundary between Gaza and Egypt, recalling the EU's previous EUBAM Rafah team that operated during Israel's withdrawal in 2005.
- The EU mission, which included German law enforcement and customs personnel, aimed to build trust between Israel and the Palestinian government, supervising border crossings.
- However, the mission was halted in 2007, following Hamas's takeover of the Gaza Strip.
- During a recent dialogue session in Berlin, Annalena Baerbock advocated for a humanitarian truce leading to a more extensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
- Baerbock highlighted the need for Israel to receive security assurances, with the EU, Germany, and potentially the United States contributing to these guarantees.
- With a focus on rebuilding the Gaza Strip and advancing infrastructural growth in the Palestinian territories, Baerbock emphasized the importance of establishing a lasting two-state solution.
- During the event, pro-Palestinian protestors displayed signs criticizing Germany and Israel, disrupting Baerbock's speech and questioning her stance on the conflict.
- Despite vocal opposition, Baerbock urged for continued engagement and mutual understanding, embracing the potential for a peaceful resolution in the Gaza Strip.
Source: www.stern.de
