Germany has urgently called on Israel to improve humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, as stated by a government official on Monday ahead of a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Germany has been one of Israel’s prominent supporters since the onset of the conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023. However, the administration of Chancellor Friedrich Merz has recently shifted its tone regarding Israel in light of the dire humanitarian situation in the besieged area.
Lars Castellezzi, Germany’s representative for human rights and humanitarian aid, emphasized that “the Israeli government must enhance the humanitarian situation in Gaza immediately, in a comprehensive manner, sustainably, and in line with humanitarian principles and international law.”
He condemned the suffering of civilians, especially children, who bear no guilt or responsibility for the ongoing crisis.
Castellezzi noted that Germany has significantly increased the volume of humanitarian aid sent to Gaza multiple times, albeit it “remains ineffective” unless it reaches those in need.
While he reaffirmed Germany’s “special responsibility” for Israel’s security and the urgent need for the “immediate release” of hostages held in the region, he stressed the importance of a ceasefire and achieving a lasting political resolution based on a two-state solution.
On August 22, the United Nations officially declared famine in Gaza, where approximately 500,000 individuals are living in “catastrophic” conditions within the devastated territory.
The conflict erupted following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,219 individuals, predominantly civilians, according to a tally from AFP based on official Israeli data.
The Israeli military campaign has led to the deaths of at least 63,459 individuals in Gaza, most of whom are civilians, as per the health ministry run by Hamas, which the United Nations considers to provide credible figures.