Germany has criticized the continued shortfall in humanitarian aid reaching Gaza, calling current levels “very insufficient” despite a slight uptick in deliveries.
The remarks follow German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories on Thursday and Friday, during which the German military conducted its first airdrop of food into Gaza. Aid agencies report over 2 million Palestinians remain at risk of starvation.
“Israel remains obligated to ensure the full delivery of aid,” said government spokesman Stefan Kornelius in a statement on Saturday. He noted that although more aid trucks are being allowed through—about 220 daily—the amount remains far below what’s needed. The UN says 6,000 trucks are currently waiting for Israeli clearance.
The German government also voiced concern over reports that both Hamas and criminal groups have diverted large quantities of aid. Israel has accused Hamas of seizing supplies, while critics, including the UN, allege that criminal networks have looted deliveries with the tacit approval of Israeli forces.
Germany, traditionally a strong supporter of Israel, has taken a more critical stance in recent weeks. According to a government source, the country’s security cabinet met Saturday to discuss options for increasing pressure on Israel, including a possible partial suspension of arms shipments. No decision was announced.
Meanwhile, indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas remain stalled. Hamas reiterated Saturday that it will not disarm unless a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established.
The remarks follow German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories on Thursday and Friday, during which the German military conducted its first airdrop of food into Gaza. Aid agencies report over 2 million Palestinians remain at risk of starvation.
“Israel remains obligated to ensure the full delivery of aid,” said government spokesman Stefan Kornelius in a statement on Saturday. He noted that although more aid trucks are being allowed through—about 220 daily—the amount remains far below what’s needed. The UN says 6,000 trucks are currently waiting for Israeli clearance.
The German government also voiced concern over reports that both Hamas and criminal groups have diverted large quantities of aid. Israel has accused Hamas of seizing supplies, while critics, including the UN, allege that criminal networks have looted deliveries with the tacit approval of Israeli forces.
Germany, traditionally a strong supporter of Israel, has taken a more critical stance in recent weeks. According to a government source, the country’s security cabinet met Saturday to discuss options for increasing pressure on Israel, including a possible partial suspension of arms shipments. No decision was announced.
Meanwhile, indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas remain stalled. Hamas reiterated Saturday that it will not disarm unless a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established.
