Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock has announced 19 million euros ($20.3m) in additional aid to Gaza.
She also criticised parts of Israel’s coalition government for actions that she said undermined the country’s long-term security.
“Increasing settler violence is spreading fear and terror in the West Bank and digging ever deeper trenches of hatred,” she said.
“Parts of the Israeli government coalition are stirring up trouble and endangering long-term Israeli security interests with their aggressive settler policy.”
Annalena Baerbock
Additionally, Baerbock stated that only a political solution can permanently end the suffering of the people in Gaza, free the hostages and bring lasting security to the people in Israel as well as in the Palestinian territories.
“Hamas must agree to the Biden plan now,” the German Foreign Minister added.
Her comments came after a meeting with her Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz in Jerusalem.
“The Israeli government’s actions today are consequential for a sustainable security in the future. This applies to the illegal settlement policy as well as to thorough legal investigations of incidents such as the recent one in Jenin.”
Annalena Baerbock
Moreover, Baerbock noted that growing tensions between Israel and Lebanon could trigger a war with “disastrous consequences” for the entire Middle East.
Speaking to reporters in Jerusalem after her meeting with Israeli officials, Baerbock said that the situation is “very serious” and could get out of control.
“With every rocket over the Blue Line, the danger grows that the situation will get out of control, the danger grows that a miscalculation will trigger a hot war. All those who bear responsibility must therefore exercise the utmost restraint, and above all, Hezbollah must stop firing at Israel.”
Annalena Baerbock
Early on Tuesday, Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi noted that Israel will spend the coming weeks trying to resolve the conflict with Hezbollah and would prefer a diplomatic solution.
Hanegbi said that Israel had been discussing with US officials the possibility that an expected end of intense Israeli military operations in Gaza would allow an “arrangement” to be reached with the Lebanese group.
“We and the Americans believe and we will dedicate weeks now in an attempt to reach an arrangement,” Hanegbi said.
“If there will not be an arrangement through diplomatic means, everyone understands that there must be an arrangement through other means. For now, we prefer to focus on the diplomatic campaign.”
Tzachi Hanegbi
Baerbock Urges For Viable Structures in Palestinian Authority
As part of her trip to the region, Baerbock visit Ramallah.
In a meeting with her Palestinian counterpart, Mohammad Mustafa in Ramallah, Baerbock said that the Palestinian Authority (PA) needs viable and solid structures on whose foundation a Palestinian state can be built.
“Sustainable security in the Middle East requires a strong and reliable partner on the Palestinian side,” she said.
She opined that with the necessary reforms, the PA can grow into “this important role.”
“That’s why today in Ramallah, I assured PM Mustafa of Germany’s support for his political and economic reforms,” she added.
Baerbock also said that without resources, a fresh start for the Palestinian Authority will be impossible.
“That’s why we expect the Israeli government to release the customs and taxes due to the PA. And Israeli banks must be allowed to process payments with Palestinian banks again,” she stressed.
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