German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul issued a plea to Israel to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza Strip as mandated by international law, emphasizing this action is required for its own survival. This appeal was made at a press conference with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Berlin amid growing concerns regarding its humanitarian crisis in Gaza. theguardian.com [+8], Reuters.com and Arabnews are reporting this development too (The Guardian had reported this too before publication by adding them all: theguardian +8 for MiddleEasteye + 4], Reuters + 8 and Politico +4 from Berlin). “That is also the prevailing international law,” Wadephul noted, underscoring his legal duty to facilitate humanitarian assistance to civilians living in conflict zones. Veroffentlichung sources include haaretz.com/+1 reuters.com Gaza has fallen into dire humanitarian straits in recent months, with reports detailing severe food, medical supplies and essential service shortages. According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, over 2,700 children under five in Gaza were diagnosed with acute malnutrition during May alone – signalling an alarming decline in living standards. Wadephul was also critical of Israel’s recent decision to approve 22 additional settlements in the West Bank, warning that such actions threaten a two-state solution. “We reject this, since settlement policy in this form violates international law and hinders progress towards achieving two states,” he stated. MiddleEastEye.net Reuters.com and The Guardian both published similar statements. Wadephul asserted Germany’s continuing support for Israel’s right to self-defense and confirmed arms deliveries would continue pending an assessment of Gaza’s humanitarian situation. theguardian.com Gideon Sa’ar of Israel responded to these allegations by asserting that exerting pressure on Hamas is key to ending the conflict and humanitarian aid channels are being kept open to address Gaza’s situation (JPost.com/+1 and Politco.eu respectively). European Union’s political and economic partnership with Israel is currently under review, with Wadephul emphasizing the significance of maintaining it. He announced that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to visit later this year – signalling ongoing diplomatic engagement between two nations. Reuter’s.com or Politico.eu for more details As the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, international pressure increases for Israel to allow greater access for aid organizations. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue to address complex regional challenges.
