BERLIN – German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan has expressed regret that Germany did not join the 28 countries that demanded an immediate end to the war in Gaza.
Radovan said this in a statement issued in Berlin.
The Social Democratic politician said the demand in the joint letter was “understandable,’’ in comments to the Rheinische Post newspaper.
She said “I wish Germany had joined the signal from the 29 partners as the letter was signed by 28 countries and the European Union.
“What is happening in Gaza right now is unbelievable. Innocent children are dying. People are starving.
“What is needed now not at some point is an immediate and sustainable ceasefire.”
On Monday, foreign ministers of 25 countries, including Italy, France, Austria, Britain, Belgium and Canada, as well as EU Crisis Management Commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, signed a joint statement calling for the war in Gaza to “end now.’’
Greece, Cyprus and Malta also joined the initiative.
However, Germany, which for historic reasons sees its fate existentially tied to that of Israel, was not among the signatories.
“The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity,’’ the letter states.
German Foreign Minister shares criticism, saying in spite of not signing the statement, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed concern on X about the “catastrophic humanitarian situation’’ in Gaza.
He said he had called his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar on telephone, “where we urgently called on Israel to implement the agreements with the EU to enable humanitarian aid.’’
However, Brussels has not published details of the conditions agreed with Israel for the provision of aid to Gaza.
EU Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas, said she had also spoken with Saar, telling him that “the killing of civilians seeking aid in Gaza is indefensible.
“All options remain on the table if Israel doesn’t deliver on its pledges,’’ she wrote on X.
Alabali Radovan further stated that “the civilian population in Gaza must not keep being crushed between the fronts. Children, families and the elderly need water, food, medical care and security.’’
She appealed to the Israeli government, saying “international law must be observed! Allow aid deliveries to pass through unhindered! Permit safe humanitarian corridors and unimpeded access for the UN and humanitarian organisations’’(dpa/NAN)
