Call to Israel from German Foreign Minister

In a joint press conference with her Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bouhabib, Baerbock stated, "The humanitarian suffering in Gaza must end. It must end not only for the Palestinians in Gaza but also because it is important for Israel's own security. 

Because hunger fuels terrorism, and destruction fuels new hatred. That is why I am emphasizing to my Israeli partners again and again that Israel must better protect civilians in Gaza and adapt its military strategy accordingly."

Demanding urgent, regular, and reliable humanitarian pauses, Baerbock said:

"The people of Gaza are living in hell every day. Diseases such as diarrhea and other infections are spreading rapidly due to contaminated water. Women, children, and the elderly are forced to sleep in the cold. They are deprived of everything, and many have to go days without food. However, humanitarian aid must reach all people in Gaza. For this, urgent, regular, and reliable humanitarian pauses are necessary."

The German Minister also asked all Arab countries to use their channels of dialogue to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and to clearly call on Hamas to lay down its arms.

Comparing the situation on the Lebanon-Israel border to an extremely dangerous powder keg, Baerbock condemned Iran for its support of Hezbollah. Baerbock said, "Therefore, we call on everyone who has influence over Hezbollah to refrain from adding fuel to the fire."

Pointing to the four Hamas sympathizers detained by German authorities, Baerbock stated, "Protecting the security of German society and Jewish life is our top priority. Therefore, close cooperation between security authorities is essential."

Expressing that the government strongly condemns all attacks, including the one on a ship belonging to the German company Hapag-Lloyd, Baerbock said, "The Houthi attacks on civilian merchant ships in the Red Sea must stop immediately. We are aware that all international players are at risk on other ships as well, as there are people of many different nationalities on board."

Baerbock also called on the Houthis to immediately release the Israeli-owned ship Galaxy Leader and its hijacked crew.

"THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR SECURITY AND PEACE IS THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE"

Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bouhabib stated that peace in the region depends on a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine and that Arab countries are ready for peace, saying, "All countries in the region are ready for peace, but peace begins with the Palestinians; other countries are important, but the most important thing for security and peace in the region is the Palestinian people. The problem must be solved before it goes any further. If peace is not achieved in the region, what happened on October 7 will happen again."

Pointing out the need for international support to prevent such events, Bouhabib said, "We, the Arab countries, must also prevent such things from happening."

Expressing that they have different views from Germany regarding what is happening in Gaza and the region, Bouhabib said, "We may not have the same views, but that does not mean we cannot talk, engage in dialogue, and support each other."

Addressing the border disputes between Israel and Lebanon, Bouhabib said, "We have 13 points under discussion; so far we have agreed on 7 points, and there are still 6 points left. We want to continue to conclude this."

Pointing out that Israel sometimes violates Lebanese airspace to carry out airstrikes in Syria, Bouhabib said, "We also want Israel to withdraw from the territories it occupies in Lebanon. Therefore, we want a complete package that will bring peace to this region."

News Source: AA