Wadephul in Israel | Wadephul meets Netanyahu, who is wanted on an arrest warrant
The new German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, is calling on the Israeli government to re-enter serious negotiations on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Referring to the intensified military crackdown on the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip since March, the CDU politician said at a meeting with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, in Jerusalem: "I am not sure whether all of Israel's strategic goals can be achieved in this way, or whether this will serve Israel's security in the long term."
Addressing Saar, the minister added: "That is why we appeal for a resumption of serious negotiations on a ceasefire. A ceasefire that also paves the way for the permanent provision of aid to the people of Gaza." No humanitarian aid has arrived there for 70 days, and the great human suffering is worsening every day.
Afterwards, Wadephul also met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court as a war criminal. The relationship between former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Green Party) and Netanyahu was recently considered strained—even heated arguments were reportedly heard between the two at one point.
Wadephul: No behavior contrary to international lawWadephul's visit comes against the backdrop of this week's celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel. This afternoon, Wadephul planned to meet with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa in Ramallah, in the West Bank.
Wadephul expressed understanding for the Israeli approach that aid deliveries should serve the people and not the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas, which has also abused them in the past. Germany will support Israel's actions pragmatically and flexibly.
There has been criticism from the UN regarding Israel's supply plans for the Gaza Strip. Wadephul announced that he would discuss this with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Berlin this Tuesday. "It's really about achieving something for the people now. And by taking this step, the Israeli government is also making it perfectly clear that it cannot be accused of acting in violation of international law."
Minister considers Israeli army presence in Gaza temporaryWadephul made German ideas for a peace solution between Israel and the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip unusually clear. A political solution is needed for the reconstruction of the extensively devastated territory without Hamas, which must no longer pose a threat to Israel. The Arab reconstruction plan, with a strong role for the Palestinian Authority (PA), is a good starting point.
It is also clear that the Gaza Strip must remain part of the Palestinian territories, Wadephul emphasized. He agreed with Saar that the Palestinians there "will not be forced by anyone to leave this territory." The presence of the Israeli army will be temporary—there was also agreement on this. Critics fear that Israel is seeking a permanent occupation or the expulsion of the Palestinians. The far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently threatened to destroy the Gaza Strip and expel its residents.
Wadephul at Yad VashemWadephul advocated for a two-state solution as "the best chance for a life of peace, security, and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians." This must not be obstructed "either by advancing settlement construction in violation of international law or by prematurely recognizing a Palestinian state," he warned. A two-state solution refers to an independent Palestinian state that exists peacefully side by side with Israel. Netanyahu rejects such a solution, as does Hamas.
At the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, Wadephul laid a wreath in memory of the six million Jews murdered by Nazi Germany. He called for "standing together against anti-Semitism and shaping the future on the basis of indivisible humanity."
Meeting with hostage relativesAccompanied by Saar, the Israelis demonstrated an active battery of the Arrow 3 air defense system to Wadephul. The minister received an introduction to the system, which Germany will also deploy in the future. The "arrow" can destroy missiles at altitudes of up to 100 kilometers, i.e., outside the atmosphere and in the beginnings of space. Arrow 3 is to be located at three different locations in Germany.
Immediately after arriving in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening, Wadephul met with relatives of hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip. According to recent statements from Netanyahu, 21 hostages are still alive in the Gaza Strip. Among the remaining hostages, a high single-digit number are said to be German citizens. However, it is reportedly unclear whether they are still alive or not. dpa/nd
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