Strong commitment: Germany and Israel are intensifying cooperation

Strong commitment: Germany and Israel are intensifying cooperation

In an important meeting in Vienna, the foreign ministers of Germany and Israel, Johann Wadephul and Gideon Saar, reaffirmed their strategic ties. At the meeting, both politicians underlined the deep friendship between their countries, with Wadephul gratefully praising the bond and Saar returning this gratitude. The talks took place against the background that relations between Germany and Israel were better than ever before, although this still raised questions about how in the first weeks of the Merz government world.de reported.

Wadephul reiterated that there should be no “forced solidarity” with Israel, a statement he considered necessary after initial concerns. A central theme of his criticism was the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which has deteriorated dramatically since January 20 despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Wadephul called for more aid for the Palestinians and, in particular, widespread access for aid organizations to support the suffering local people.

Humanitarian challenges in the Gaza Strip

The situation in Gaza is catastrophic: around 1.9 million people, or 90% of the population, are internally displaced. There is a lack of basic needs such as food, water and medical care. Despite the political talks, the humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by an Israeli ground offensive since mid-May. Several hundred people have already died in attacks near food distribution centers, as the Foreign Office explains in a recent statement auswaertiges-amt.de.

The federal government has increased its aid to the Palestinian territories by more than 300 million euros since October 7, 2023, with Deike Potzel acting as special envoy for humanitarian aid in the Near and Middle East. Organizations such as UNICEF and the World Food Program, which provide urgently needed supplementary food for children, are supported.

Hoping for quick distribution

How tagesschau.de reported that the Israeli government has initially allowed aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip again. German organizations such as the German Red Cross and Caritas hope to be able to distribute urgently needed goods quickly. According to UNICEF, more than 70,000 children are acutely malnourished and need immediate medical attention. Humanitarian zones are also needed to ensure the safe distribution of aid, while the security situation on the ground remains a major challenge.

A lack of access and permits for aid transport is another major obstacle. Trucks carrying aid supplies have been waiting at the border for weeks for permission to enter, while many people in Gaza rely on essential food and medical supplies. It remains to be seen whether special food for the malnourished children will also be included in the aid deliveries.

Given these difficult circumstances, Wadephul emphasized the need to keep a clear focus on the human rights and humanitarian aspects of this crisis situation and underlined the responsibility of Germany and Israel to find solutions for the suffering people in Gaza.