Germany condemns Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza, urges ceasefire talks

Germany on September 16 slammed Israel’s ground assault on Gaza City as “completely wrong,” calling instead for dialogue toward a ceasefire and a deal for the release of hostages.

“The renewed offensive towards Gaza City is... the completely wrong path. We reject this and have made this clear to the Israeli government,” said Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Israel announced on September 16 the start of its long-awaited ground operation into Gaza City, the main urban center of the enclave, where authorities have ordered residents to flee. According to UN data, more than 140,000 people have already moved south from Gaza City since August 14, out of a population of around 1 million.

“Gaza is burning,” Defence Minister Israel Katz posted on X. “The army strikes with an iron fist at the terrorist infrastructure and soldiers are fighting bravely to create the conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas.”

Israel’s military assault has killed over 64,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, while a global hunger monitor warns that part of the enclave is suffering from famine. Israeli forces already control roughly 75 per cent of Gaza.

By Sabina Mammadli