Berlin: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged his visiting Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog, on Monday to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to people in Gaza as soon as possible and to end the blockade, which is critically needed. Following his talks with Herzog, Steinmeier told the media that he recognized the growing suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip, which has received extensive coverage in German media.
According to Anadolu Agency, earlier, Steinmeier welcomed Herzog to Berlin's Bellevue Schloss presidential palace for a state visit to commemorate 60 years of Israel-Germany diplomatic relations. Steinmeier reflected on the significance of the anniversary, saying: "With this double visit, we are honoring not only the anniversary, but also the unique significance of the relationship between Israel and Germany. 60 years ago, this special partnership between Israel and Germany started." He emphasized the potential lessons to be learned from the two countries' historical reconciliation.
Steinmeier highlighted the unique history of reconciliation between Germany and Israel, suggesting it can serve as hope for others, indicating that peace and reconciliation are possible. He also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, acknowledging the growing suffering of the civilian population, which has been substantially covered in German media.
The German president called for the lifting of the blockade against humanitarian aid and stressed the importance of open communication between friends, stating: "It's part of friendship to communicate about concerns, to talk about concerns." He expressed gratitude for the open and frank exchange in difficult times and emphasized the importance of a ceasefire in alleviating the humanitarian crisis, urging Hamas to release all hostages.
He further mentioned the need to avoid an even deeper humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for understanding a solution on the horizon, implying that peace is only possible with such understanding. Herzog, for his part, called on the international community to study their plan in-depth and join efforts to help the people of Gaza.
The report also highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where more than 52,800 Palestinians have been killed in a brutal Israeli onslaught since October 2023, most of them women and children. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.