Warning issued by Baerbock in Israel: She foresees continuous conflict in Gaza
The potential truce could halt military aggression and rescue hostages held by Hamas, thereby promising "enduring safety for Israelis and Palestinians," according to Annalena Baerbock during her speech. She strongly urges Hamas to adopt this plan. The radical Palestinian Islamic group kicked off this conflict, Baerbock highlighted. "They need to put an end to this nightmare," she continued.
She acknowledges that not everyone in Israel is on board with Biden's proposals, as some advocates maintain Israeli control over the Gaza Strip and prolong the war indefinitely. "I'd like to genuinely ask: How would an eternal war better protect the security of families yearning to return to their homes in Sderot, Kiryat Shmona? How would it bring an end to the hostages' loved ones' torment? And how would more suffering in Gaza create more security for Israel?"
Israel has reportedly made "genuine strides" in dismantling Hamas' military capacities, Baerbock emphasized. It's also crucial that Israel's Arab allies are discussing options for security that benefit both Israelis and Palestinians. "We should capitalize on that," the Green politician added.
Baerbock is set to confer with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz in Jerusalem on Tuesday. A meeting with the new Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa in Ramallah is also scheduled.
Following these discussions, Baerbock will head to Lebanon. The escalating tensions at Israel's border with Lebanon, which Baerbock described as exceedingly concerning, were addressed at the EU Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Luxembourg.
At the end of April, Baerbock was in the Middle East, where she met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu among others.
The conflict between Israel and the radical Islamic Hamas was initiated by a significant attack by the Palestinian organization on Israel on October 7. As per Israeli reports, Islamic militants killed 1194 people and abducted 251 as hostages in the Gaza Strip, with 116 still held captive in Palestinian territory. According to the Israeli army, 41 of these hostages have already been slain.
As retaliation for the Hamas attack, Israel has been conducting military operations in the Gaza Strip since then. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, 37,600 people have been killed in the interim, although these figures cannot be independently confirmed.
