Israel: Baerbock issues warning on prolonged conflict in Gaza
The Biden administration's plan may potentially bring a truce and the liberation of Hamas captives, promising "durable safety for Israelis and Palestinians," Baerbock stated in her speech. She implores Hamas to agree to this peace plan. The radical Palestinian Islamic group initiated this conflict, the Foreign Minister insisted. "It's high time they halt this nightmare," she concluded.
Baerbock admitted that not all in Israel endorse the proposals offered by Biden. "Some advocate Israel maintaining dominion over the Gaza Strip and a conflict without end," she said candidly. "I'd like to ask honestly: How would an everlasting war benefit the security of families aiming to return to their homes in Sderot, in Kiryat Shmona? How would it end the turmoil of the hostages' families? And how would prolonged suffering in Gaza offer more security for Israel?"
Israel has made "significant strides" in its attempts to weaken Hamas' military capacity, Baerbock highlight. It's also essential that Israel's Arab neighbors are collaborating to establish security for both Israelis and Palestinians. "Let's build upon that," the Green politician added.
Moreover, Baerbock emphasized the importance of a two-state solution, which she believes is "the most viable path to enduring peace." She also supported reforming the Palestinian Autonomy Authority - without dismantling the structures she had a hand in creating.
During the conference, US Ambassador to Israel Jacob Lew also voiced similar opinions. In the aftermath of the Gaza Strip war, he said, "civil order and administration" are essential for the coastal region. The US government believes that "the Palestinian Autonomy Authority should be part of that." Furthermore, he confirmed the US's support for a two-state solution.
Baerbock is due to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz in Jerusalem on Tuesday. She also intends to converse with the new Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa in Ramallah.
Baerbock will then voyage to Lebanon. The mounting tension at the Israel-Lebanon border, which she labeled "far more than alarming" at the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Luxembourg, was the final topic she addressed. Her most recent visit to the Middle East was at the end of April, where she conversed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among others.
The conflict between Israel and the radical Islamic Hamas started on October 7 as a result of Hamas' unparalleled attack on Israel, according to Israeli reports. Islamic militants reportedly killed 1,194 people and abducted 251 hosts into the Gaza Strip, of whom 116 are still in the Palestinian territory. According to the Israeli army, 41 of these captives have already been slain.
In response to the Hamas attack, Israel has been militarily engaged in the Gaza Strip ever since. According to the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory, which cannot be independently verified, over 37,600 people have perished in the meantime.
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Baerbock encourages the US President, Joe Biden, to push for the release of Hamas captives as part of his peace plan for Gaza, emphasizing the need for a truce in her speech. She expresses her concern that some in Israel advocate for an endless conflict in the Gaza Strip and questions its benefits for villages like Sderot and Kiryat Shmona.
Baerbock commends Israel for its efforts to weaken Hamas' military capacity and stresses the importance of regional cooperation among Israel's Arab neighbors for peace. She advocates for a two-state solution as the most viable path to lasting peace, supporting reforms to the Palestinian Autonomy Authority without dismantling existing structures.
Similarly, US Ambassador to Israel Jacob Lew voiced his support for a two-state solution following the Gaza Strip war, emphasizing the need for civil order and administration in the region. He expressed his hope that the Palestinian Autonomy Authority would play a role in this.
Baerbock is scheduled to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz and new Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa, and will then travel to Lebanon to address the escalating tension at the Israel-Lebanon border. Prior to this trip, she met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during her visit to the Middle East in April.
According to Israeli reports, Hamas initiated the ongoing conflict with an unparalleled attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,194 fatalities and 251 hostages abducted into the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army reported 116 captives still held in the Palestinian territory, with 41 reportedly already killed.
In response to Hamas' attack, Israel has been engaged in military action in the Gaza Strip since then. The Gaza Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled territory reported that over 37,600 people have died as a result.
As part of her advocacy for peace, Baerbock calls on Hamas to cease its militant activities and agree to the US President's peace plan, ensuring a truce and securing the release of Hamas captives. She concludes that it's high time Hamas halts their "nightmare" and allows for lasting peace in the region.
Despite her efforts, the conflict between Israel and Hamas remains a pressing issue, with both sides facing heavy casualties and suffering. Baerbock's meeting with key Israeli and Palestinian leaders, as well as her upcoming visit to Lebanon, will be crucial in promoting dialogue and finding a peaceful resolution to this longstanding conflict.
