diplomacy
UN: Baerbock emphasizes Israel’s right to self-defense
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock welcomes Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad al-Maliki before the start of the UN Security Council meeting in New York. photo
© Seth Wenig/AP/dpa
For Germany, Israel’s security is not negotiable, said Baerbock. At the same time, the fight against Hamas must be carried out with consideration for the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense before the UN Security Council – but also urged the country to comply with international humanitarian law.
“The fight is directed against Hamas and not against civilians. That is why it is crucial for us that this fight is carried out in accordance with humanitarian law and with the greatest possible consideration for the civilian population in Gaza,” said Baerbock at a high-level meeting UN Security Council meeting in New York. The lives of all civilians are equally important. The bystanders in the Gaza Strip must be helped with breaks in fighting in “humanitarian windows”.
Israel’s security is non-negotiable
Baerbock emphasized that Israel, like every state in the world, has the right to defend itself against terrorism within the framework of international law. The Green politician also referred to Germany’s historical responsibility in the face of the Holocaust. “Never again – for me as a German that means that we will not rest when we know that the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors are now being held hostage by terrorists in Gaza,” said the minister. For Germany, Israel’s security is non-negotiable.
In view of the suffering population in the Gaza Strip, Baerbock reiterated her call for a break in fighting in the crisis area – “humanitarian windows” are needed. According to dpa information, there is a dispute in the EU about the extent to which European countries could support the UN demand for a ceasefire. The use of the word “pauses” in the plural could therefore make it clear that the EU is not calling on Israel to stop the fight against the terrorist organization Hamas with immediate effect. Countries like Germany and Austria definitely want to avoid this impression.
Personal conversations planned
A peace process in the Middle East can only take place within the framework of a two-state solution, Baerbock continued. She spoke as a guest at the debate of the most powerful UN body. Germany is currently not a member of the 15-member Security Council, whose ten non-permanent members are each elected for two-year terms. In addition to taking part in the open debate in the Security Council, she should also meet some colleagues for personal discussions.