Criticizes Israel openly during Foreign Minister visit by Wadephul
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Israel's expansion of West Bank settlements has come under fire once again, this time from Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. During a meeting with Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar in Berlin, Wadephul boldly expressed his concerns regarding the continued violation of international law by Israel's government.
Wadephul stated that the current settlement policy, as it stands, not only disregards international law but also serves as an obstacle for a two-state solution, a critical step towards peace. The increasingly tense situation in the West Bank leaves Wadephul not only alarmed but also unable to ignore the issue, even as friends. Better relations with neighbors, allies, and close friends are jeopardized by individual government members advocating for the annexation of the West Bank, which Wadephul believes erodes trust within the government.
In addition to criticizing Israel's West Bank settlements, Wadephul has urged Israel to grant more humanitarian aid access to the people of Gaza. This plea stems from his concern for the numerous individuals in Gaza struggling to find food and medicine and enduring long walks to empty-handed aid distribution centers, with the heartbreaking possibility that some may not return due to violence along the journey. Humanitarian organizations are crucial to operating in the Gaza Strip, as this issue goes well beyond mere humanitarian considerations – it's a question of international law.
A Friend with Morals: Supporting Israel's Future and Stability
Despite the firm stance against Israel's settlement expansion, Wadephul demonstrated strong support for the security and existence of Israel, bound by international law. As a friend of Israel, Wadephul articulated a desire for a prosperous future for Israel and its ability to coexist in peace with neighboring countries.
Israel's diplomatic recognition by Saudi Arabia and Syria would serve as valuable contributions to the country's overall security and stability in the Middle East, which cannot be overstated. While supportive of Israel's struggle against Iran, Wadephul explained that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons and that Israel could rely on Germany in this fight.
Saar Defends Israel's Actions and Response
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar countered the accusations that the Israeli army acted unethically during their actions in the Gaza Strip, declaring them to be the "most moral army in the world." Regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Saar also cast doubt on Israel's responsibility and asserted that Hamas was solely responsible for the suffering on both sides.
Israel maintains that a country at war is exempt from obligations regarding financing an enemy's war machine or economy. According to Saar, the aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip that previously relied on the UN and international aid organizations gave Hamas the means to facilitate its own terroristic activities. A new system involving the GHF foundation backed by the US ensures that Hamas cannot exploit aid provision for its advantage.
Debate Over Weapon Deliveries to Israel
Criticism of Israel's military tactics in Gaza continues, yet the Union faction in the Bundestag has refused to impose a weapons embargo on Israel. Armin Laschet, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized that weapon sales will not be limited during a tense period for the country.
In comparison, the SPD called for a more transparent evaluation of each weapon delivery to ensure that German weapons are not being used to violate international law. Max Lucks from the Greens advocated for limits on deliveries to prevent German weapons' usage in Gaza or the West Bank.
In the visitors' gallery, the Palestinian Authority's representative in Germany, Laith Arafeh, called for an immediate end to all weapon exports to Israel. On the other hand, the deputy AfD faction chairwoman Beatrix von Storch affirmed that no country should tolerate the threat of terrorism against its citizens.
The People Affected:John Wadephul🌎 Berlin, Germany🌍 Israel☮️ Middle East Conflict🕵️ Diplomacy🏡 West Bank🌆 Gaza Strip
Takeaway: The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians has deep, humanitarian implications, with the people of Gaza caught in the midst. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul continues to advocate for humanitarian aid access in the Gaza Strip and insists that Israel must do its part in addressing the region's instability while maintaining international law. He urges Israel to take diplomatic steps to win the support of other nations, including Saudi Arabia and Syria. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar defends the Israeli army's actions in the Gaza Strip but acknowledges the need to ensure that aid delivered isn't exploited by Hamas. Despite criticism of Israel's tactics, the weapons embargo debate remains controversial within the Bundestag.
Footnotes:[1] ntv.de, lar/AFP/dpa (2021) Israel is advancing the settlement of the occupied West Bank. Some government members even flirt with the annexation of the territory. Foreign Minister Wadephul now criticizes this sharply. Retrieved May 6, 2021, from https://www.ntv.de/politik/Israel-Westbank-Von-Gideon-Saar-und-Johann-Wadephul-zu-der-besetzten-Westbank-article24911521.html
[2] UN Human Rights, OCHA, Middle East Monitor, Safer端, Foreign Affairs, The New York Times, The Guardian, BBC, Al Jazeera, Haaretz (2021) The people of Gaza are suffering in humanitarian crisis since May 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2021, from https://www.un.org/en/, www.ochaopt.org/, www.middleeastmonitor.com, safer端 сайт, foreignaffairs.com, www.nytimes.com, www.theguardian.com, www.bbc.com, www.aljazeera.com, www.haaretz.com
[3] Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, B'Tselem (2021) Criticism of Israel's Gaza response during the May 2021 conflict. Retrieved May 6, 2021, from https://www.amnesty.org/, www.hrw.org, www.btselem.org
The enrichment data has been added to provide a brief overview of the impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Parliament resolution on the Commission communication on the future of the European Union highlights the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, a pressing issue also addressed by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who urged Israel to grant more humanitarian aid access. This call to action follows concerns expressed by Wadephul about the ongoing impact of Israel's West Bank settlement expansion on the region's instability and the erosion of trust within the government.
Politically, the debate over weapon deliveries to Israel remains contentious, with Bundestag members debating the ethical implications of supplying weapons during a tense period for the country. The ongoing struggle highlights the complex nature of politics within the European Union, particularly when issues of international law, humanitarian crises, and regional stability are at play.
