Germany has been increasing pressure on Israel to limit the number of casualties in Gaza and expand humanitarian assistance, while maintaining its support for the military operation in the Gaza Strip. Unlike France and several other EU states, Germany has so far not demanded that Israel agree to an overall cease-fire.
On Monday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Israel must adapt its military strategy in the Gaza Strip to better prevent suffering among the Palestinians there. “We expect Israel … to allow more humanitarian aid, especially in the north, that its military actions are more targeted and cause fewer civilian victims,” said Baerbock. “The question of how Israel carries out this battle is central to the perspective of a political solution.”
As the conflict entered its third month last week, the humanitarian situation in the strip is dire. Over 18,000 Palestinians have been killed since Oct. 7, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and over 85% of Gaza's population has been displaced.
This German double approach was evident in the phone call between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday. A statement issued by Scholz's office said the two leaders “spoke about the necessary efforts for the greatest possible protection of civilians and a substantial improvement of the humanitarian situation of people in the Gaza Strip.”
