Crisis discussions
Baerbock is campaigning in Riyadh for humanitarian breaks in the Gaza war
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, at a meeting in Saudi Arabia. photo
© Michael Kappeler/dpa
Foreign Minister Baerbock is in the region for the third time since the Islamist Hamas attack on Israel. It’s about the hostages and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. And about the future.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was with her Crisis talks on the Gaza war in Saudi Arabia again called for humanitarian ceasefires to supply the needy population in the Gaza Strip. During the talks with representatives of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, there was agreement “that there is a need for humanitarian ceasefires that also allow for the supply of humanitarian aid,” it was said on Saturday from circles in the Foreign Minister’s delegation.
It was also agreed that there could only be peace for Palestinians and Israelis with the prospect of a two-state solution, it said. In addition, shared concern became clear that violence could spread to the West Bank.
Baerbock said on Friday evening in Abu Dhabi – the capital of the United Arab Emirates – that she was constantly hearing calls for a general ceasefire these days. “I understand the impulse. But the truth is also: Anyone who calls for a general ceasefire at this moment must also say what that means for the strength of Hamas and for the fate of the over 200 hostages,” added the Green politician. Anyone who now calls for a general ceasefire must also say what this means for Israel’s security.
Humanitarian breaks are “urgently” needed
Baerbock said on Friday evening that she and her international colleagues had campaigned energetically for humanitarian breaks in the past few days and weeks. “It is important and right that Israel is now taking a first step here.” She added: “Humanitarian breaks must be implemented urgently so that we can finally get significantly more aid supplies to the people in need in Gaza.” In order to provide for the people in Gaza and for the many internally displaced people, massive support from the international community will be needed for a long time.
Baerbock spoke to the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Saturday morning. At the same time as the Green Party politician’s visit, he was in the city for a meeting of Arab and other Islamic states on the Gaza war. She then met Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
Like Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the Emirates are seen as influential potential mediators, for example when it comes to the freeing of the Hamas hostages and a future peace solution. The Islamist Hamas not only killed hundreds of people in its attack on Israel, but also took around 240 hostages. According to the families, around 20 of those abducted also have German passports.
Baerbock flew from Riyadh to Israel at midday (local time). A meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtaje was initially planned in Ramallah in the Palestinian Autonomous Territories in the West Bank. In Tel Aviv in the evening, the Foreign Minister wanted to speak with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and opposition leader Jair Lapid.
Baerbock’s trip is about the situation of the hostages in the hands of Hamas, the humanitarian situation of civilians in the Gaza Strip and a path to possible peace through a two-state solution.