German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Wednesday called on the Israeli government to allow more humanitarian aid to northern Gaza, while defending ongoing arms deliveries to Israel.
During a visit to Beirut, Baerbock said the situation “especially in northern Gaza is becoming more desperate by the day” amid a new Israeli offensive.
Northern Gaza has been under lockdown for 19 days, Baerbock said, with humanitarian aid “just trickling in.”
Earlier this year, the Israeli government promised to “flood” the Gaza Strip with aid, Baerbock recalled. “This humanitarian aid must arrive in Gaza,” she stressed.
“There is an obligation under international law to provide humanitarian aid,” the German foreign minister said.
She further emphasized the International Court of Justice’s ruling that Israel must provide aid to civilians in Gaza.
“This order is binding on Israel and its government under international law,” she stressed.
However, Baerbock emphasized that Germany continues to support Israel in its right to self-defense “also with weapons.”
All arms deliveries are subject to international humanitarian law, she asserted.
“The Israeli government bears the responsibility to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law,” Baerbock said.
