Germany says Israel ‘must adhere’ to ICJ ruling, calls on Hamas to free hostages

BERLIN — German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock says that Israel “must adhere” to the ICJ’s ruling, but also says Hamas needs to release its remaining hostages.

“The International Court of Justice did not decide on the main issue, but ordered temporary measures in the interim legal protection proceedings,” she says. “But these are also binding under international law. Israel must adhere to this.”

“At the same time, the court made it clear that Israel’s actions in Gaza follow the barbaric terror of October 7, and recalled that Hamas is also bound by international humanitarian law and must finally release all hostages,” Baerbock adds. “We will support this with all our might, as well as the measure ordered by Israel to urgently allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.”