German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock delivered a strong message during her visit to Cairo on Tuesday, expressing deep concern over the ongoing suffering of Palestinian civilians and asserting that such conditions “cannot go on.” The minister urged the need for more concrete measures to deliver humanitarian aid to the embattled Gaza Strip, which has been grappling with the consequences of prolonged conflict and a devastating Israeli ground assault.
Following a meeting with her Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, Baerbock, as reported by German media, called on the Israeli army to intensify efforts in protecting Palestinian civilians in Gaza. She emphasized that the current level of suffering experienced by innocent Palestinians is unsustainable and must be addressed urgently.
Baerbock reiterated the rightful ownership of Gaza and the West Bank by Palestinians, emphasizing the importance of preventing their displacement from these territories. The context for her statements lies in Israel’s ongoing ground assault in the Gaza Strip, initiated in response to a violent attack by Hamas militants on Israelis in October.
The German foreign minister also advocated for the opening of additional border crossings and more frequent humanitarian breaks to facilitate the efficient flow of aid into the region. She stressed the critical need for speed in aid deliveries, pointing out that the current assistance is insufficient to adequately reach the affected population.
Having traveled to Israel on Sunday, Baerbock, along with Shoukry, is set to visit the Rafah crossing later on Tuesday, according to reports from German media. The visit underscores Germany’s diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the region and emphasizes the call for immediate actions to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians. The urgency of this matter is highlighted by Baerbock’s insistence that the current situation is untenable and demands a more robust and concerted response from the international community.
