Germany has called on Israel to “immediately” improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, as the humanitarian crisis in the war-ravaged enclave worsens.
Speaking ahead of his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Germany’s human rights and humanitarian aid envoy Lars Castellucci said the situation must be addressed “comprehensively, sustainably, and in accordance with humanitarian principles and international law.”
Castellucci, a Social Democratic lawmaker, condemned the “immeasurable” suffering of civilians, especially children, and said that while German aid to Gaza had been increased several times, it remained “pointless” unless it reached those in need.
While reaffirming Germany’s “special responsibility” for Israel’s security and calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas, he stressed the urgency of a ceasefire and renewed calls for a two-state solution.
The war in Gaza erupted after Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which killed 1,219 people. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has since killed more than 63,000 Palestinians, according to figures from Gaza’s health ministry that the UN deems reliable.
Speaking ahead of his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Germany’s human rights and humanitarian aid envoy Lars Castellucci said the situation must be addressed “comprehensively, sustainably, and in accordance with humanitarian principles and international law.”
Castellucci, a Social Democratic lawmaker, condemned the “immeasurable” suffering of civilians, especially children, and said that while German aid to Gaza had been increased several times, it remained “pointless” unless it reached those in need.
While reaffirming Germany’s “special responsibility” for Israel’s security and calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas, he stressed the urgency of a ceasefire and renewed calls for a two-state solution.
The war in Gaza erupted after Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which killed 1,219 people. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has since killed more than 63,000 Palestinians, according to figures from Gaza’s health ministry that the UN deems reliable.
