Germany urges Israel to ‘immediately’ improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza

Israel must “immediately” improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, the German government’s representative for human rights and humanitarian aid says, ahead of a trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Until recently Israel has enjoyed broad support across the political spectrum in Germany, but Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s tone toward Israel has sharpened as the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated.

“The Israeli government must improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza immediately, comprehensively, sustainably, and in accordance with humanitarian principles and international law,” says envoy Lars Castellucci, a lawmaker of the Social Democrats, which governs with Merz’s conservatives.

He condemns the “immeasurable” suffering of civilians, especially children, who are trapped in the conflict and “bear neither guilt nor responsibility.”

German humanitarian aid to Gaza “has been increased several times,” but it is “pointless” as long as it does not reach those in need, he says.

While he reaffirms Germany’s “special responsibility” for Israel’s security and calls for the “immediate release” of hostages held by Hamas, he also stresses the urgency of a ceasefire and advocates for a two-state solution.

A UN hunger monitor said last week that parts of Gaza were suffering from famine. Israel, which stopped the flow of aid into Gaza for nearly three months until mid-May, has rejected the report as a “modern blood libel” and accused Hamas of looting aid deliveries.