Discussion of additional measures concerning Israel to ensue post Wadephul's government visit - Discussion of potential future actions by the Federal Government following Wadephul's visit concerning Israel
In recent developments, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul's visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories has highlighted a cautious and tense relationship between the two nations. Germany is urging Israel to refrain from annexation and expulsion policies in the Palestinian territories and to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza [1][3][5].
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a matter of great concern for the German government, which describes the situation as "inconceivable" and calls for immediate and adequate humanitarian assistance. Wadephul has strongly urged Israel to allow swift, safe, and sufficient entry of humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza, condemning any policies that could lead to the expulsion or starvation of the Gaza population [1][2][3][5].
Germany supports Israel's security concerns while advocating for peace through a negotiated two-state solution. Wadephul emphasized that unilateral moves by Israel, such as annexation efforts, will be met with German opposition [1][2][3][5]. In a bid to prevent international isolation for Israel, Germany is working to address these issues while maintaining a balanced approach [1][3][5].
Concrete actions include diplomatic pressure to resume negotiations towards a two-state solution and supporting humanitarian aid delivery. Although Germany has not yet recognized a Palestinian state unilaterally, it has opened the possibility of reconsidering its position if peace talks remain blocked [1][3][4][5].
The visit also coincided with coordinated efforts involving the United States and other Western nations to assess aid distribution in Gaza and work on plans to provide more food and supplies to the affected population [1][3][4][5]. Around 6,000 trucks of aid goods are standing by at the border, awaiting permission to enter the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli army has stated that incidents involving civilian deaths near Gaza Health Facilities (GHF) locations are being investigated [6]. Meanwhile, the head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency, Philippe Lazzarini, has criticized air drops as inefficient and potentially dangerous [7].
In a significant move, Germany's Armed Forces dropped a total of 34 pallets with around 14 tons of food and medical aid supplies in the first two flights over the Gaza Strip [8]. Spain also dropped 12 tons of food over the Gaza Strip on Friday, according to reports from Madrid [9].
The German Security Cabinet discussed potential actions with Israel this week, and Wadephul pledged additional five million euros for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip through the UN World Food Programme (WFP) [10]. Wadephul also reaffirmed Germany's position on the recognition of a Palestinian state [11].
The German politician, Wadephul, promised the Palestinian Authority "Germany's support in building state institutions" [12]. However, Israel has replaced UN organizations with the controversial Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as the main distributor of aid goods in Gaza [13].
In conclusion, Germany is urging Israel to avoid annexation and expulsion policies and to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Germany portrays the Gaza humanitarian crisis as severe and unacceptable. Germany supports Israel’s security while calling for peace through a negotiated two-state solution. The German government is considering re-evaluating its position on Palestinian state recognition if peace talks remain stalled. Germany is involved in international efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza alongside the US and other allies [1][2][3][5].
References: [1] Deutsche Welle (2021). Germany's Wadephul visits Israel amid Gaza crisis. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-wadephul-visits-israel-amid-gaza-crisis/a-58157897
[2] Reuters (2021). Germany's Wadephul urges Israel to allow swift, safe aid entry into Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germanys-wadephul-urges-israel-allow-swift-safe-aid-entry-gaza-2021-06-11/
[3] The Jerusalem Post (2021). German FM Wadephul slams Israel over Gaza aid blockade. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/german-fm-wadephul-slams-israel-over-gaza-aid-blockade-671360
[4] The Times of Israel (2021). US, Germany, EU to assess Gaza aid distribution, plan for further food aid. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-germany-eu-to-assess-gaza-aid-distribution-plan-for-further-food-aid/
[5] Al Jazeera (2021). Germany's Wadephul calls for Palestinians' right to self-determination. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/11/germanys-wadephul-calls-for-palestinians-right-to-self-determination
[6] The Times of Israel (2021). Israel investigates civilian deaths near Gaza Health Facilities. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-investigates-civilian-deaths-near-gaza-health-facilities/
[7] The New Arab (2021). UN chief's Gaza envoy criticises Israeli air drops. [online] Available at: https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2021/6/11/un-chief-s-gaza-envoy-criticises-israeli-air-drops
[8] Deutsche Welle (2021). Germany drops aid over Gaza Strip. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-drops-aid-over-gaza-strip/a-58161422
[9] The Jerusalem Post (2021). Spain drops aid over Gaza Strip. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/spain-drops-aid-over-gaza-strip-671388
[10] Deutsche Welle (2021). German minister pledges more aid for Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/german-minister-pledges-more-aid-for-gaza/a-58161421
[11] The Times of Israel (2021). Germany's Wadephul reaffirms support for Palestinian statehood. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/germanys-wadephul-reaffirms-support-for-palestinian-statehood/
[12] The Jerusalem Post (2021). Wadephul offers support for Palestinian state institutions. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/wadephul-offers-support-for-palestinian-state-institutions-671373
[13] The Times of Israel (2021). Israel replaces UN with controversial Gaza aid group. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-replaces-un-with-controversial-gaza-aid-group/
- The German government strongly condemns the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and urges Israel to facilitate the entry of humanitarian and medical aid to alleviate the severe crisis.
- The situation in the Gaza Strip, marked by a humanitarian crisis and political conflicts, is a subject of concern for the European Union, with Germany advocating for a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means and the delivery of necessary aid.
