Chancellor Scholz and Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed on one thing: Hamas is a legitimate target of Israel. But the guest also called for more help for the civilian population – and warned of a Rafah offensive.
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 in Jerusalem during a joint press statement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Humanitarian aid must be much more extensive, continuous and reliable.
Scholz again warned of an Israeli offensive near Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people have sought refuge from Israeli attacks. The higher the number of civilian casualties rises, the more desperate the situation of the people in the Gaza Strip becomes, said Scholz.
“Terribly high costs”
At the same time, Scholz emphasized that Germany stands on Israel’s side. Fighting the terrorist organization Hamas is a legitimate goal of Israel. More than 100 hostages are still being held by Hamas. This is a cruel crime that must end immediately.
As important as Israel’s goal is, the question must be asked whether it can “justify such terribly high costs” or whether there are other ways to achieve it. 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?”
Netanyahu promises protection civilian population
Netanyahu said after the meeting that they agreed that “Hamas must be eliminated.” There will be no peace as long as the Islamist terrorist organization remains in the Gaza Strip.
The civilian population will be brought to safety before an offensive in Rafah. Israel is also making every effort to deliver aid to the people of the Gaza Strip “by land, sea and air.”
Gray areas: Built-up areas in the Gaza Strip, hatching: Israeli army
Also visit Jordan
Scholz had previously called for a ceasefire during a visit to Jordan. “It is very clear that we must now do everything we can to ensure that the situation does not become even worse than it is,” he said after a conversation with King Abdullah, referring to Rafah.
Netanyahu approved the controversial ground offensive in Rafah on Friday. According to estimates, 1.5 million Palestinians are seeking protection there in very small spaces and under miserable conditions. Aid organizations warn of many more civilian deaths.
New talks in Qatar?
According to local media reports, Israel’s war cabinet plans to meet with Netanyahu today to decide whether to send a delegation to Qatar. The recently stalled talks there are set to continue after Hamas presented a new proposal to the mediators.
Airlift started
While Scholz met the Jordanian king in Aqaba, the Air Force was preparing further aid flights almost 400 kilometers away at the King Abdullah II Airbase. Germany is thus participating in the Jordanian initiative for an airlift to the Gaza Strip.
After the first delivery of four tons of food – including rice and flour – was parachuted from a transport plane over the north of the Palestinian territory on Saturday, the second relief flight took place today. Other states are also taking part.
Scholz said Germany would continue to support the Jordanian army with kerosene. Jordan is seen by many observers as one of the key countries in efforts to moderate the Palestinian side. Around 60 percent of the Jordanian population has Palestinian roots. The country also has good relations with Israel and manages Islam’s third holiest site – the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
With information from Tilo Spanhel, ARD Studio Cairo
Tilo Spanhel, ARD Cairo, tagesschau, March 17, 2024 2:05 p.m