The German government’s representative for human rights and humanitarian aid said that Israel must ‘immediately’ improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, ahead of his trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories, according to Al-Arabiya.
“The Israeli government must improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza immediately, comprehensively, sustainably, and in accordance with humanitarian principles and international law,” said envoy Lars Castellucci, a lawmaker of the Social Democrats.
Since the beginning of Gaza War in October 2023, Germany has largely supported Israel and dismissed the idea of recognizing the Palestinian State.
However, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s tone towards Israel has sharpened as the unthinkable humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated.
Castellucci described the situation in Gaza as “immeasurable” suffering of civilians. He also affirmed Germany’s “special responsibility” for Israeli security and urged the “immediate release” of hostages taken by Hamas. However, he called for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution.
Recognizing Palestinian State is Counterproductive
Last week, a German government spokesman said on Friday that Berlin has not yet planned to recognize a Palestinian state, as such a move would further hinder the possibility of reaching a negotiated two-state solution with Israel.
“A negotiated two-state solution remains our goal, even if it seems a long way off today,” spokesman said.
He also described the decision to recognize the Palestinian state as “counterproductive.”
The recognition of Palestine is more likely to come at the end of such a process, and such decisions would now be rather counterproductive,” the spokesperson added.
Germany’s position on Israel in the context of the Gaza war is deeply shaped by its sense of special responsibility to atone for the Holocaust, during which six million European Jews were killed under Hitler’s regime between 1933 and 1945.
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