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Need for a Ground Route to Gaza Alongside Air Bridge

Acknowledging inadequacy, the Federal Minister for Development, Reem Alabali Radovan (SPD), admits that the ongoing refusals of humanitarian aid flights over the Gaza Strip are falling short.

Adequate air transportation to Gaza isn't sufficient; establishment of a ground route is essential
Adequate air transportation to Gaza isn't sufficient; establishment of a ground route is essential

Need for a Ground Route to Gaza Alongside Air Bridge

Federal Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan has urged for increased land-based aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis faced by civilians trapped by ongoing conflict and blockades.

In an interview on ARD, Alabali Radovan emphasized the need for safe humanitarian corridors and unhindered access for the UN and aid organizations to deliver essential water, food, and medical supplies. She stressed that international law must be respected to protect civilians and enable effective aid delivery.

The minister highlighted the challenges in facilitating this access, including ongoing hostilities that crush civilians between front lines, Israeli-imposed blockades limiting aid flow, and restrictions on safe passage for humanitarian convoys. Alabali Radovan and other international actors criticize the lack of an immediate ceasefire and call on parties involved to allow aid deliveries to pass through without obstruction.

The minister also expressed her concern about the political tension, such as Germany’s government not signing a declaration from 29 countries demanding an immediate end to the war, which she publicly criticized.

Neighboring countries like Egypt are involved in efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid and ceasefire negotiations and are preparing for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction post-conflict, emphasizing the complex regional coordination required to expand aid access.

Alabali Radovan has also emphasized the importance of giving thought to the time after a possible ceasefire. She has expressed readiness to immediately support reconstruction efforts following a permanent ceasefire. She described the situation in the Gaza Strip as "heartbreaking" and the existing famine as "unacceptable."

The minister has been actively involved in Gaza with development cooperation projects, particularly in the areas of energy and water supply. She has highlighted her expertise gained in Gaza, especially through experiences in Ukraine.

However, international development cooperation is under pressure after the cessation of work by the US development agency USAID. A study published in "The Lancet" suggests that if the financing gap created by the closure of USAID is not closed, an additional 14 million people, including 4.5 million children, may die by 2030.

Despite these challenges, Alabali Radovan has accepted the planned cuts in her ministry's budget, which was agreed upon at the beginning of the black-red coalition. She has also stated that no plan will be accepted that provides for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza.

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced preparations for a reconstruction conference involving Alabali Radovan and partner countries such as Egypt. The conference aims to discuss the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip following a permanent ceasefire.

[1] ARD Interview of the Week [2] Various news sources [3] The Lancet study [4] Egyptian government statements

  1. In the context of the ARD interview, Minister Alabali Radovan called for increased focus on policy-and-legislation related towar-and-conflicts, emphasizing the need to respect international law and enable safe access for aid organizations during crises, such as the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
  2. As the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip continues, Alabali Radovan has highlighted the importance of general-news coverage to bring awareness to the urgent needs of civilians and emphasize the importance of politics in facilitating aid deliveries, ceasefire negotiations, and ensuring long-term reconstruction and development.

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