Crisis in Gaza described as 'unfathomable' by Germany's Foreign Minister
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, now in its 23rd month, has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. UN-backed experts have reported that famine is unfolding in the Gaza Strip, with over 60,000 Palestinians killed and widespread malnutrition and starvation reported, including the deaths of children due to hunger.
The situation is so dire that Wadephul, a prominent diplomat, described the daily deaths of men, women, and children in Gaza while searching for food as "absolutely intolerable." He urged both Israel and the European Union to prevent this humanitarian disaster from continuing.
In an effort to alleviate the crisis, Israel is under mounting international pressure to agree to a ceasefire and allow a surge in food aid into the Gaza Strip. This pressure comes as some members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition have openly called for the long-term occupation of Gaza, and a majority of Israeli lawmakers passed a non-binding motion urging the government to annex the occupied West Bank.
In a bid to address the crisis, Wadephul met in Jerusalem with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar and Prime Minister Netanyahu. He called for negotiations on a two-state solution to the conflict to begin immediately and for clarity regarding the absence of policies of expulsion and annexation.
The international community has emphasized the urgent need to end violence, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and address the broader conflict’s political dimensions. The UN Security Council and other forums have convened to discuss these issues, with a focus on respect for international law.
Regarding Germany’s stance on recognizing a Palestinian state and preventing annexation of the West Bank, it is known that Germany traditionally supports a two-state solution, cautious about unilateral moves such as annexation of West Bank territory by Israel, which it views as obstacles to peace. However, for the very latest and detailed statements or policy actions from Germany in 2025, up-to-date government or diplomatic sources would need to be consulted.
Meanwhile, Canada has announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state, joining France and Britain in similar moves. Wadephul also suggested that a gap may be opening between Israel and the European Union, warning before his trip that Israel is losing diplomatic support.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates some humanitarian distribution sites, has been criticized for its militarized nature. Numerous civilians have been killed or injured while trying to access food at these sites. UN experts and officials have described the conditions as unbearable and labelled blocking or delaying aid as war crimes.
Efforts by Israel to facilitate humanitarian operations, such as tactical pauses and secure routes for convoys, have been insufficient to prevent ongoing deaths at aid sites. The international community continues to call for political solutions and protection of civilians to end this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
[1] UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), "Gaza Strip: Humanitarian Crisis Deepens," 2025. [2] Reuters, "UN: Famine in Gaza Strip Could be 'Unprecedented' in Decades," 2025. [3] Associated Press, "Israel Faces International Pressure over Gaza Humanitarian Crisis," 2025. [4] Al Jazeera, "Wadephul Urges Immediate Action on Gaza Humanitarian Crisis," 2025.
In the midst of the ongoing, grim humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Wadephul, a diplomat, has called for immediate negotiations on a two-state solution and clarity regarding the absence of policies of expulsion and annexation, as the crisis is rooted deeply in war-and-conflicts and politics. Despite efforts by Israel to facilitate humanitarian operations, general-news outlets have reported ongoing deaths at aid sites, leading UN experts and officials to label blocking or delaying aid as war crimes.
