German minister calls for end to cycle of violence ahead of trip to Israel 

By Jörg Blank and Alexander Missal, dpa

 

BERLIN – German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called on Sunday for an end to the cycle of violence in the Middle East ahead of her fourth visit to the region since the October 7 attacks mounted from the Gaza Strip.

“Terrorism must end, people’s humanitarian need must end, the region must emerge from the eternal cycle of violence,” she said before leaving for Israel, where she is due to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Israel Katz.

While Israel had the right to defend itself against terrorism, civilians had to be better protected during military operations, she said. Baerbock called for a substantial increase in humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip to combat hunger, disease and the cold.

Talks in Jerusalem are to focus on efforts to free hostages being held by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian conditions for the population there and on moves towards a two-state solution once the current war ends.

Gaza should not be permitted to pose a threat to Israel in the future, Hamas should lay down its arms and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and Houthis in Yemen had to end their dangerous activities, she said.

Both sides would be able to live in peace only if “each sees the suffering of the other,” she said.

On Sunday, the German Red Cross (DRK) organized a flight of 33 tons of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, including tents, tarpaulins, lifting devices and rescue backpacks.

The flight took off from Leipzig/Halle airport and was due to land in Egypt, from where it was to be transported to the Gaza Strip with the aid of the Egyptian Red Crescent for distribution by the Palestinian Red Crescent.

“There is huge demand for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. More of practically everything is needed,” DRK head secretary Christian Reuter said. The aid was aimed at the most urgent needs and would support the work of the Palestinian Red Crescent, he added.

A second plane carrying 26 tons is to take off from the same airport on Monday. The flights are receiving financial support from the German Foreign Ministry.

According to the DRK, there is a lack of medicines, drinking water, food, fuel and clothing. Most of the population have lost their homes.