Proposed Commission Directive for Regulating Online Harassment and Cyberbullying
In a recent ZDF "Berlin direct summer interview", the Bavarian Minister-President, Markus Söder, expressed concern over the current humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The region is grappling with a catastrophic crisis, marked by severe food shortages leading to famine-like conditions affecting over 500,000 people, one-quarter of Gaza’s population.
Markus Söder, a supporter of Germany's continued alliance with Israel, emphasized the need for increased humanitarian aid. However, he did not provide specific details about the proposed aid. The Minister-President also criticized Israel for obstructing humanitarian relief, stating that the Islamist terror organization, Hamas, is blocking access to aid in the Gaza Strip.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) returned from the region with a grim report, referring to a "famine" in the Gaza Strip. Stefan Kornelius, the government spokesman, described initial slight progress in humanitarian aid for the population in the Gaza Strip, but acknowledged that the situation is not yet sufficient.
The humanitarian agencies like OCHA and UNRWA have reported that the amount of aid entering Gaza remains grossly insufficient and that access continues to be restricted and perilous. UN experts, along with humanitarian agencies, insist on restoring unimpeded access for impartial aid organizations to prevent further deaths and the use of starvation as a "savage weapon of war," which the UN classifies as a crime under international law.
The German government has criticized Israel for these humanitarian failures. Markus Söder and German officials have called for the protection of civilians and demanded Israel allow the unhindered passage of aid convoys to address the unfolding humanitarian disaster. They also urged Israel to end the restrictive measures that jeopardize civilians’ lives.
In addition, UN experts and international voices have demanded an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and accountability for international crimes committed. They also stress the importance of ending the occupation and securing Palestinian self-determination as part of a long-term political resolution to the conflict.
Markus Söder, considering Israel to be Germany's closest partner, reiterated that Germany should adhere to its principles in its relationship with Israel. He stated that Germany's approach is to be present and draw attention to the situation in the Gaza Strip. Despite Israel announcing scaled-up aid and temporary pauses for UN convoys, the situation remains critical, with ongoing casualties and danger for aid workers.
References: [1] UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). (2021). Gaza Strip Humanitarian Situation. Retrieved from https://www.ochaopt.org/content/gaza-strip-humanitarian-situation [2] United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). (2021). Gaza Strip Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/press-releases/unrwa-calls-immediate-cessation-hostilities-gaza-strip-and-unrestricted-access-aid [3] United Nations Human Rights Council. (2021). Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/hrc/coiopt/pages/coioptindex.aspx
- Germany, through Markus Söder and other officials, has emphasized the importance of increased humanitarian aid and unhindered passage of aid convoys to alleviate the critical situation in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the context of the ongoing war-and-conflicts.
- In the arena of politics, Markus Söder, as Bavarian Minister-President, has expressed concern over the service provided to civilians in the Gaza Strip, calling for accountability for international crimes committed and a long-term political resolution that secures Palestinian self-determination.
