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Prime Minister Netanyahu and Scholz at the joint press conference on Sunday
Photo: Leo Correa / EPA
During a visit to Israel, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for greater humanitarian aid for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
“We cannot stand by and watch Palestinians risk starvation,” said the SPD politician on Sunday in Jerusalem during a press statement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which was given in English.
Scholz further explained that much more humanitarian aid is needed on a continuous and reliable basis.
He again warned of an Israeli offensive near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people have sought refuge from Israeli attacks.
The more the number of civilian victims increases, the more desperate the situation of the people in the Gaza Strip becomes, emphasized Scholz.
No matter how important the goal is, the question must be asked whether it can “justify such terribly high costs” or whether there are other ways to achieve the goal.
Military and humanitarian logic
Military logic is a consideration in an offensive in Rafah.
“But there is also a humanitarian logic,” said Scholz.
»How should more than 1.5 million people be protected?
Where should they go?”
At the same time, Scholz emphasized that Germany stands on Israel's side.
Fighting the radical Islamic Hamas is a legitimate goal of Israel.
Hamas is still holding over 100 hostages.
This is a cruel crime that must end immediately.
Scholz once again advocated a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians.
mamk/Reuters