Germany calls for continuation of humanitarian pause in Gaza

BERLIN

Germany on Friday called on European countries and regional partners to step up their efforts for the continuation of the humanitarian pause between Israel and Hamas.

“In these minutes, we must do everything we can to ensure that the humanitarian cease-fire continues,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said in a statement.

“Both for the remaining hostages, who have been waiting for weeks in dark tunnels to be released, and for the suffering people in Gaza who urgently need more humanitarian aid,” she added.

Baerbock expressed regret that the conflict has caused unbearable suffering both for the civilian population in Gaza and the people of Israel.

“This suffering must finally stop for everyone. Israel will never be able to live in security if terror is not combated. And at the same time, there can only be security for Israel if the Palestinians also have prospects for the future,” she said.

The foreign minister reiterated her government’s position that Israel has a right to self-defense, and diplomatic efforts should also ensure that Hamas lays down its weapons and no longer poses a threat to Israel’s existence.

“Only in this way can a political horizon open up for a two-state solution that can provide security for both Israelis and Palestinians - as unrealistic as that may seem this morning,” she said.

The pause between Israel and Hamas, which went into effect on Nov. 24, ended on Friday morning.

At least 32 Palestinians were killed and several others injured as Israel resumed its military campaign in various areas of the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian authorities.

Meanwhile, Qatar has confirmed on Friday that negotiations were ongoing for the resumption of the humanitarian pause between Israel and Hamas.